Procedures - Botox

BOTOX® injections are typically used to erase forehead lines, crow's feet (wrinkles around the eyes) and frown lines. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well. BOTOX® is a purified neurotoxin which causes paralysis of specific muscles in these areas when injected in minute amounts. The reason it works is that wrinkles in these areas are actually creases that are created or worn into the skin by muscle contractions that make the same expressions repeatedly.

BOTOX has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years and in dermatology and wrinkle therapy for over six years. BOTOX injections are safe and effective since the effect of BOTOX is in the immediate area of injection. There is no numbness in the area of injection as it does not affect sensory nerves.

The effects of BOTOX usually last three to five months. After several treatments the effects may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six or eight months. One begins to see the results in five to seven days. There are few restrictions regarding BOTOX treatments. Patients who are pregnant or have a neurologic disease should not be treated.

BOTOX® injections can be done with Restylane injections simultaneously, and in some areas optimal results can be achieved by combining the two.

BOTOX® injections are also a safe and effective treatment for axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the armpit and palms). The effect of BOTOX® on excessive sweating typically lasts longer than for wrinkles (9-12 months).

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic compare to other options? Compared to other aesthetic treatment options, BOTOX Cosmetic is relatively inexpensive. According to a survey by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it's one of the least costly facial aesthetic procedures. And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may find BOTOX ® Cosmetic to be a great way to invest in yourself. BOTOX Cosmetic treats the cause of these frown lines between the brows by reducing the muscle contractions that cause the lines to form over time. BOTOX Cosmetic is the only treatment of its type approved by the FDA for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. If you're looking for something for that area between your brows, be sure to talk to your doctor about BOTOX Cosmetic.

Dr. Rokhsar discusses various myths and facts about botox injections.

How soon will I see a difference? What kind of results can I expect?

You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week. By day 30 in a patient clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.

Visible results can last up to four months. After that, you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment.

Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.

Other side effects include pain and redness where the medicine is injected, pain in the face, and muscle weakness. These effects generally occur within the first week and usually go away on their own.

Source: BotoxCosmetic.com