About BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can dramatically improve your facial wrinkles. Today, it is by far the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. Botox is actually a purified protein derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A. During the BOTOX® Injection procedure, a small amount of BOTOX® is injected directly into the individual muscles that are responsible for creating wrinkles in the overlying skin. By weakening those muscles and preventing the pulling on the skin BOTOX® Cosmetic helps to diminish the wrinkles. The actual BOTOX® Injections take only minutes to administer, and noticeable results can usually be seen within two to eight days. Patients are able to return to work and wear makeup immediately after treatment.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has the most dramatic effect on "expression wrinkles." These are the frown lines or furrows found between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines or furrows, and the crows feet around the eyes. Patients who notice these types of wrinkles will usually see remarkable and rapid improvement after treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Just as with LASIK Surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. You will notice that the lines will be softened, but may not completely disappear. With regular treatments, the appearance of these lines will be greatly reduced. The effects of a single treatment will usually last three to four months, at which time another BOTOX® Injection may be required to see acceptable results. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic may begin to last a little  longer, sometimes as long as six or eight months.

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic is to ask your physician and after a thorough evaluation and discussion, your questions can be answered and you can decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections

• What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
  BOTOX® Cosmetic is a relatively simple nonsurgical procedure that smooths fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the facial muscles that cause wrinkles.

• What is a BOTOX® Cosmetic Injection procedure like?
  A BOTOX® treatment is a short, 10-15 procedure that consists of a few tiny injections into areas that are of concern to you.

• Is the BOTOX® Cosmetic Injection procedure painful?
  For most patients there is a sensation of pinching, almost like a small bee sting. Whatever the sensation, it is mild and it is temporary.

• Is the BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure safe?
  BOTOX® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein that is administered at very low doses. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are usually confined to the injected region. It does not travel throughout the body.

• Will I need anesthesia?
  No. But your physician may choose to numb the injected area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream before the actual treatment.

• Do I need to take time off from work to recuperate?
  Most patients go right back to work or continue their activities immediately after the procedure.

• When will I start to see results?
  You should begin to see a significant improvement within a few days.

• How long will the effects last?
  The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic last up to four months.

• Will my facial expressions look unnatural?
  Although the results are dramatic, it will not radically change your facial appearance. The muscles are simply relaxed, so you can still frown, smile, or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

• Is BOTOX® Cosmetic expensive?
  Actually, BOTOX® Cosmetic is fairly affordable and is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, since it is performed in the comfort and convenience of a physician's office rather than a surgery center.. Your fee will vary depending on the number of areas or the actual amount BOTOX® solution used to produce the desired results.

About Dermal Fillers- Restylane® & JUVÉDERM™

Depending on the type of facial wrinkles that you wish to smooth, other types of non surgical injections may be used either alone or in conjunction with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Wrinkles may be grouped into two types—dynamic wrinkles—those that form when muscles contract, and static wrinkles, which are lines or depressions that exist even when there is no muscle action or pull on the skin. Dynamic wrinkles are best treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic, whereas static wrinkles are best treated with substances that plump up and fill out the problem lines. These substances are known medically as "dermal fillers."

Dermal fillers are easy to inject and are biodegradable over, rather than permanent. The two most popular dermal fillers are Restylane® and JUVÉDERM™. Depending on your areas of concern and the type of wrinkle, the physician will suggest just using BOTOX® Cosmetic, just using JUVÉDERM™ or Restylane®, or perhaps injecting 2 different materials in order to achieve the best possible results.