BOTOX® Cosmetic
After years of squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking, and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the forehead develops deep lines and wrinkles often referred to as "expression lines." A common concern is that they make us look older, tired, or stressed. Not to worry, expression lines and advanced furrows can be quickly and significantly reduced using BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Smile. Laugh. Frown. Make all the facial expressions you want and stop worrying about wrinkles!
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. For over a decade, ophthalmologists have employed BOTOX® Cosmetic for its original intention; the treatment of blepharospasm (abnormal blinking or eyelid tic). Physicians also have been utilizing BOTOX® Cosmetic for years as a cosmetic treatment for correcting visible signs of stress and aging.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
The contractions and movements of our facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. BOTOX® Cosmetic simply prevents these muscles from allowing responses to such messages. As a result, the muscles relax and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth.
What is treatment like?
With a very fine needle, BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the specific muscle that is contracting and causing the facial lines and wrinkles. Treatment is effective, safe, and takes approximately 10 minutes. Pain is a minimal (that of a "pin prick") and no anesthetic is required. Following treatment, patients immediately resume regular activities.
How long does a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment last?
Effects usually last three to four months, and then gradually fade away. Following several treatments, results may last four to eight months or even longer.
Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects from BOTOX® Cosmetic, if any occur, are usually mild and temporary. Botulinum toxins contain proteins that, in some circumstances, may be naturally safeguarded against by the body's ability to produce antibodies. If antibodies are formed, the therapy will generate a lesser response. Temporary bruising sometimes is experienced but resolves within two to three days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of expression. If this should happen, return to your physician.
What type of results will I see?
Typically, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are visible within three days. Maximum benefits are reached between 10 to 14 days. Once the muscle becomes dormant, and the skin softens, patients notice a more relaxed and youthful appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are not a substitute for a facelift. Depending on your specific goals, optimal results in appearance may be maximized by incorporating BOTOX® Cosmetic therapy with a facelift, laser resurfacing, or skin rejuvenation procedure.
