BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of crow’s feet and frown lines—repetitive muscle contractions from squinting and frowning. Botox temporarily reduces this muscle activity so you’ll begin to notice a visible smoothing of these lines. Results typically last three to five months.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is also FDA-approved for temporarily controlling excessive underarm sweating, known as hyperhydrosis. Small doses are injected to the underarm areas to temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. Results last from seven to nine months.
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
It’s the first FDA-approved treatment to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines look better in adults. Botox injections contain botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that relaxes muscles to smooth out lines and wrinkles. Botox is NOT a surgical procedure nor a dermal filler and it is not permanent.
Am I a good candidate? Yes, if:
• You have moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
• The wrinkles are located in areas that Botox can treat, such as around or between the eyes, on the forehead, or around the neck.
• Your general health is good.
• You have realistic expectations for improvement.
• Botulinum toxin should not be used in pregnant or lactating women.
What can I expect after the treatment?
Most people see results within a few days, but it may take up to a week to see the full effect. Botox usually lasts three to four months.
How do I prepare for treatment?
A complimentary consultation is required if BOTOX® Cosmetic is new to you. However there is nothing you need to do prior to your consultation or treatment.
What happens during treatment?
We may use a cold pack or anesthetic cream depending upon the areas to be injected and your sensitivity. A tiny needle will be used to inject the Botox into the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. The number of injections you receive will depend on the severity of your wrinkles and their location on your face. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes but your appointment may last 45 minutes or so if you opt for a numbing cream.
Is post-treatment care needed, and is there any downtime?
There is no recovery time with Botox injections. It’s often called a lunchtime treatment You can return to your normal activities right away. Avoid rubbing the areas that were injected as it could cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to other areas of your face, causing temporary facial weakness or dropping. Slight bruising may occur at the injection sites which will subside like any other small bruises.
Can this treatment be used as part of a combo therapy?
As with most of our treatments, the application of Botox can be combined with filler injections or laser treatments depending upon your overall needs and goals, though not always at the same time.
What’s the science?
Botulinum toxin can be injected into humans in extremely small concentrations and works by preventing signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles, therefore paralyzing them.
In order for muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger, acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), at the junction where the nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the muscle cells to contract or shorten.
Injected botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botulinum toxin causes a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction, allowing the muscles to become less stiff.
