Botox
What to Know About
BOTOX
BOTOX® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles to improve the look of moderate-to-severe lines affecting the forehead and corners of the eyes. The most commonly treated areas include forehead lines, frown lines, and the “crow’s feet” lines. The effects are temporary but usually last 3-5 months.
How does BOTOX® work?
Botox works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity and relaxes facial lines. BOTOX® uses solutions of a purified protein derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium to reduce the activity of specific facial muscles responsible for some facial lines and wrinkles. When we make a facial expression, muscles react by contracting, tugging on the overlying skin and creating creases and folds. BOTOX® works by preventing nerve signals that cause these muscle contractions so lines and folds can’t form. As a result, the injections can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines and facial wrinkles caused by movement.
What happens during treatment?
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s facial anatomy to locate the ideal injections sites. During treatment, BOTOX® is injected using very fine needles, and most patients report no discomfort beyond a tiny pinching sensation. Once treatment is complete, there may be some mild temporary bruising that can last for about a week to 10 days. Once treatment is complete, it’s important to avoid rubbing the area to prevent BOTOX® from spreading to adjacent tissues where it may cause temporary localized paralysis or weakening, especially around the eye lids.
How long will it take to see results following BOTOX® treatment?
Most patients see results within about two weeks of treatment, with continued improvement during the next few weeks. Results last about four to six months and can be “touched up” indefinitely. Many patients who have regular BOTOX® injections find their lines and wrinkles soften over time so they can extend the time between injections while still maintaining their results.
Is BOTOX® safe?
Yes, BOTOX® is approved by the FDA for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles and for many other medical treatments.
Preparing for Your Appointment
PRODUCTS TO AVOID:
Substances that increase risk of bruising, such as blood-thinning drugs (Coumadin), Vitamin E, aspirin, Motrin, and other non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs 7 days prior.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neurological disease, such as myasthenia gravis