Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical treatment administered by our highly trained and experienced injection nurse to temporarily soften or smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles such as creases around the eyes (crow’s feet), between eyebrows, and on the forehead. It is an effective remedy for facial lines and wrinkles brought on by age, stress, and environmental factors. Many wrinkles are caused by contracting muscles. Over time, frequent muscle contractions, particularly if it is from a strong muscle, deep wrinkles can form. Botox is a safe and effective temporary treatment to this problem.
How does BOTOX work?
Botox Cosmetic is a muscle-relaxing medication produced in a pharmaceutical laboratory. For over 18 years, physicians have been successfully and safely using BOTOX as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of stress and aging.
The contractions and movements of the facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. BOTOX Cosmetic simply blocks the muscle from receiving these signals, therefore the muscle does not contract. As a result, the muscle relaxes 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 lines and wrinkles on the face. Treatment is effective, safe, and takes about 15 minutes. Although everyone has a different pain tolerance, most patients experience very minimal discomfort, so little that no anesthetic needed.
How long does BOTOX® last?
The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic usually last 2 to 3 months, and fade away gradually. In most patients, after several treatments, the results begin to last longer, sometimes even up to 6 months, sometimes even longer.
What are the side effects?
Side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary. Bruising may occur at the injection site. Avoiding blood thinners, such as aspirin or ibuprofen 3-4 days prior to a treatment, as well as alcohol before or after the treatment, can help minimize your chance of getting a bruise. At your consultation, we will thoroughly review with you all possible known side effects, so you will be completely informed.
What type of results can I expect?
You can expect to start seeing the effects of BOTOX in as little as 3 days. We know that it takes a full 2 weeks to experience the maximum effect from your treatment. Your results will depend on the amount of BOTOX used during your treatment, and the depth and severity of your wrinkles. The goal is to make you look refreshed, more youthful and have softening of the wrinkles, but still have some movement and still be able to have expressions. When you visit with our Injection Nurse, we will customize a treatment plan that meets your needs and your expectations.
What about using Botox for hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating?)
People who have excessive sweating on their body, whether under their arms, on their palms, or elsewhere on their body, can suffer significantly. Botox is a very effective means of controlling excessive sweating. Treatment for this condition is quite different than using Botox to control wrinkles. The Botox is diluted, and is injected just under the skin, not into the muscle. The treatment will typically last….. Often, Botox used for this purpose is reimbursed by insurance. Please call us for more information about this treatment.