BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medication that is used to temporarily soften moderate to severe lines or wrinkles on the face. The medication is injected into the muscles of the face by your physician, and is most often used to treat frown lines between and above the eyebrows and crows feet around the outside corners of the eyes. This procedure can be done relatively quickly and painlessly in the office, with minimal down-time or visible markings. The effects usually are apparent within a few days and can last for 2-3 months, at which time the medicine can be re-injected.
Botox® is a relatively new procedure using Botulinum Toxin which was developed to treat the visual signs of aging by reducing or removing wrinkles. The procedure is considered a safe, effective way of treating aging skin. Common areas for Botox® injections include horizontal forehead furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes. Botox® has proven to be the best non-surgical form of facial rejuvenation and is capable of producing phenomenal improvements in your appearance.
Reasons for Considering a Botox Treatment:
- Excessive facial wrinkles.
- Large wrinkles or furrows in your forehead.
- Small wrinkles or “crow’s feet” around your eyes
- A vertical “frown line” between your eyebrows
General Procedure
The procedure works by altering the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to wrinkles. A cream with local anesthetic will be placed on your skin prior to treatment, and ice will be immediately applied upon completion of the Botox® treatment. Typically a small amount (1-2 cc’s) of Botox® is injected into the area of the wrinkle. Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles, thereby relaxing them. The result is the underlying facial muscles relax and the skin begins to smooth out. The effects of a Botox® treatment will last approximately three to six months after which the patient may choose to repeat the procedure.
Recovery Process
Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, however following the post-procedure guidelines will dramatically reduce the length and intensity of the recovery period. Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hours after the injections. It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours.
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