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Some wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of muscles in the face. You may have heard the expression “laugh lines” or “smile lines.” Over time, creases formed can lead to a persistent frown and a more aged appearance. The precise use of Botox* is the best approach to prevent and eliminate these lines. Treated facial muscles become chemically relaxed for an average of 3-4 months. Botox may be used in addition to, or in place of, other cosmetic procedures.
Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Botox relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. The contraction of the muscle is the culprit causing the wrinkles. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
Botox was officially approved for cosmetic use in 2002 by the FDA for glabellar lines (vertical lines between the brows) and is often used off label by physicians for other areas, including the forehead, crow’s feet (next to the eyes), perioral lines, and sometimes even to shape the brow.
Cosmetic denervation with Botox is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny micro-needle, a very small amount of Botox is injected, very precisely, into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site that can easily be covered with makeup.
No long-term side effects have been described with the cosmetic use of Botox. Botox is very safe and used in much larger doses in other fields of medicine. Although rare, the medication can affect nearby muscles, causing temporary, but unintended, muscle paralysis. Examples include eyelid droop or double vision, seen in only a very small percentage of patients treated. Those effects are always temporary and often can be treated with eye drops.
Patients on selected medications or with certain medical disorders are not advised to have Botox. Captopril may inhibit Botox while certain antibiotics may exaggerate the effect. Individuals who are pregnant, or have egg allergies, or a neuromuscular disorder are advised to avoid Botox.
After treatment a few simple techniques may maximize the benefit and minimize side effects. Gauze should be held over the skin until pinpoint bleeding stops. It is also helpful to frown repeatedly during the first hour after injection. Patients should avoid touching the area or lying down for four hours.
In summary, Botox is a safe, effective, FDA-approved tool that may be used to treat certain types of wrinkles for 3-4 months at a time. Side effects as described above are minor and temporary. The procedure may be repeated as desired by the patient and may be used in combination with other treatments to achieve a more youthful appearance. Commonly Asked Questions What is Botox Cosmetic? It is a purified protein. It is administered by a physician and can temporarily reduce frown lines between the brows. It is minimally invasive, non-surgical, and requires no recovery time.
Is it safe? Botox injections have been safely used for more than 10 years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of people receive Botox treatment for a variety of conditions. It is now one of the most popular treatments to reverse the signs of aging.
How long does it take? About 10 minutes and a few tiny injections. Within several days there is a noticeable improvement.
How long does it last? It depends, but, on the average, it lasts up to four months. After this time, the area between your brows will return to pre-treatment appearance.
Are there any contraindications? If you are pregnant or have a neuromuscular disease, such as Myasthenia Gravis, ALS, or Eaton Lambert Syndrome, you may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
What are the potential side effects? Common side effects include headache, respiratory infections, flu, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Other side effects include pain and redness where the medicine was injected, pain in the face and muscle weakness.
Is it painful? No anesthesia is required and discomfort is minimal and brief. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You can resume normal activity immediately.
What other treatments can be used in combination? A number of people combine Botox Cosmetic with Cosmoderm, Hyaluronic Acid and Microdermabrasion or a Chemical Peel.
Where can I get more information on this procedure? You can come in for a consultation and discuss your options with one of our physicians or you can visit BotoxCosmetic.com for more information.
What does it cost? The cost is per unit and varies in different geographical regions. The average number of units involved is somewhere between 20 and 30 per treatment. The amount of muscle involved determines how much Botox Cosmetic the physician uses. Males usually require a higher dose than a female requires because of the greater muscle mass. To find out about the cost, please contact Be Medical Spa.
For the best option available to you individually, please schedule a consultation with one of our physicians.
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