Botox

By use of involuntary facial muscles we smile, frown, and concentrate. Over time these facial expressions will leave their mark upon your face in the form of wrinkles such as frown lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows), forehead creases, and crow’s feet. At one time there was not a lot you could do about it, today there is “Botox Cosmetic®”, a simple, non-surgical procedure that, since the early 1990’s has been used successfully in treating wrinkles and lines caused by the contraction of underlying facial muscles. By relaxing these muscles, Botox® helps to flatten out creases on the skin, dramatically reducing your toughest wrinkle within 7 to 10 days.

Botox® is usually effective in treating wrinkles caused by muscle contractions; some signs of aging may require more aggressive treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels. Consult your physician or licensed esthetician for the best treatment appropriate for you.

Botox® and Facial Wrinkles

Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines)
Frown lines are the deep furrows and lines that appear between our eyebrows, which are caused by overactive facial muscles. These muscles permanently contract the brow creating a perpetual frown.

Although frown lines are not a serious medical condition, they are a concern for many of us. Not only do they make us look older, they give others a false impression of our mood by making us appear angry or worried, keeping you from looking as open and relaxed as you actually feel. Studies have shown Botox® to be effective in reducing frown lines from 70% – 80%.

Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet are the fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes. They develop naturally as part of the aging process, however, sun exposure and certain lifestyle habits such as smoking can make them worse. Years of smiling, laughing, and squinting are also contributors. Crow’s feet can make you look tired and add years to your appearance. When injected into the cheek muscles however, Botox® can help diminish these fine lines and wrinkles.

Forehead Wrinkles
Having a wrinkled brow might be a sign of wisdom, but it is also a sign of worry and incipient age. Injecting Botox® into contracted forehead muscles can smooth and straighten the skin, and give you a more youthful appearance.

Effects
Muscles treated with Botox® usually start to relax within 1-3 days and reach their maximum degree of relaxation within 1-4 weeks. However, it can take up to 7-10 days for the effects to be apparent. Approximately 3-4 months after the first treatment the effects gradually start to wear off. Usually, you will only need to have your Botox® treatment done about 2-4 times a year; however, the effects last longer each time Botox® is administered.

FAQs

1. What is Botox®?
Botox® belongs to a class of drugs called “Botulinum Toxins”, focal agent intended to reduce muscle contraction by blocking nerve impulses, and will temporarily paralyze muscles that cause wrinkles.

2. What are the expectations after a Botox® treatment?
Botox® is NOT magic, it’s medicine. Botox® will NOT radically change your appearance or make you look like you’ve had a “cosmetic procedure.” It will NOT make you look 20 years younger. Because it’s highly localized and administered intramuscularly, its effect is confined to the region of injection, and will reduce muscle contraction in the area of injection. Botox® does not remain in your body indefinitely.

3. How is Botox® administered?
Botox® is administered by tiny injections into the desired area; the procedure generally takes about 10-30 minutes. Your physician will determine the amount of Botox® needed to treat you effectively.

4. How soon will results be noticeable, and how long does Botox® last?
Within days after your treatment, you will notice a significant improvement that may continue to improve for as long as a week and last up to 4 months.

5. Will there be any downtime following the treatment?
This is a nonsurgical procedure, there is no recovery time; you can return to your regular routine schedule immediately following the process.

6. Can Botox® be administered indefinitely?
Treatments can typically be repeated as long as your condition responds to Botox® without any serious side effects or diminished response. Although Botox® has been used for over 10 years commercially worldwide, acceptable safety in long-term treatments has not yet been conducted.

7. When shouldn’t Botox® be administered?
Botox® should not be administered during pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if you are taking certain medications. Only your physician can determine the best course of therapy. The effects of Botox® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure that your physician is aware of any current medications you are taking.

8. Is the treatment painful?
You may experience some minor, temporary discomfort during and immediately following the procedure, but you should not experience ongoing pain or discomfort.

9. What are the possible side effects?
All medications have some side effects, but with Botox® they are minimal and temporary. Side effects really depend on the location of the muscle being injected. Some people notice temporary weakness of muscles, discomfort or slight bruising at the injection site. Some people also develop flu-like symptoms, but this is relatively rare.

10. Is Botox® an appropriate treatment for me?
If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, Botox® may be for you. If reducing those tough lines between your brows would make you feel more approachable, or reducing the wrinkles around your eyes and flattening the creases upon your forehead, Botox® may be an option for you.

For more information about Botox®, please visit www.botoxcosmetic.com