[Music playing]

Sruti Akella, MD: 
My name is Dr. Sruti Akella, and I am an Oculofacial plastic surgeon here at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I'm board certified in Ophthalmology, and I've also completed a two-year fellowship specializing in eye plastics run by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. One of the services I provide is injecting Botox and fillers. So Botox is a medical grade form of purified botulinum toxin, which is injected directly into muscles. When these muscles are paralyzed with injection of the toxin then it's harder for you to form wrinkles on your skin. Functionally, a lot of people use this to treat unwanted facial spasms like blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm, but I also inject it aesthetically to remove or reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in your crow's feet, in your forehead, between your eyebrows, and then you can also use it for other things like slimming your jaw and getting rid of some smokers' lines around your mouth.

The process of receiving Botox begins with an initial consultation where I sit down with the patient to have a thorough discussion about their specific concerns and desired outcomes. During this consultation, we take the time to talk in detail about what the patient is looking to improve, whether it be smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, addressing certain facial asymmetries or any other aesthetic goals they may have. This step is crucial as it allows me to understand their expectations. We also discuss what can realistically be achieved as well as any potential risks or side effects. Following the initial consultation, I carefully mark the patient's face to create a precise guide for where the Botox or filler will be injected. Taking the time to mark the face accurately is crucial for achieving optimal results and for ensuring the procedure safety and efficacy.

Additionally, this step allows the patient to see and understand our treatment plan before the injections begin, helping them feel more at ease and confident in the process. After marking the patient's face, I use a very small fine gauge needle to administer the Botox or filler. This needle minimizes discomfort and ensures precision with each injection carefully placed according to the markings. The process is quick, often taking just a few minutes. Patients usually experience minimal pain, describing it as a small pinch or slight pressure. This efficient and minimally invasive procedure allows patients to resume their daily activities immediately.

[The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center]