Botox cosmetic®
Botox cosmetic® is a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and has been used safely by doctors for many years. The drug works by relaxing the overactive muscles that cause wrinkles, lessening the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet. This reduces or eliminates wrinkles without surgery. Botox cosmetic® is FDA approved for treating wrinkles and has grown to become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.
Causes of wrinkles
Frown lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows); forehead lines and crows feet are caused by the constant movement of muscles beneath the skin. For example, a wrinkle in the area between the eyebrows may appear and persist because of repeated frowning. These lines can produce an angry or frustrated look on the face. This is the same for lines around the eyes called crow’s feet, which are caused by smil
Botox cosmetic® uses
The most common areas that are treated are frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, laugh lines on the nose and crows feet. Other areas that can be treated include the lips, mouth and neck.
How does it work?
Botox cosmetic® is injected into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. This blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area and as a result the muscle relaxes. As the muscle relaxes, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles gradually soften, become less visible and often disappear.
When does it start to work?
You will notice Botox cosmetic® beginning to work in 3-5 days. It will improve over the following 7-10 days.
How long will it last?
The improvement you will achieve from Botox cosmetic® will last anywhere from 3-6 months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effect after 6-8 weeks, at which point, you may return for re-injection. Some patients find that the treatments last longer after having multiple treatments.
How is Botox cosmetic® injected?
Botox cosmetic® is injected into the muscles through localized pinpoint injection. The procedure takes about 10 minutes to perform. A topical anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. Our doctors will determine which muscle to treat and with what quantity of Botox cosmetic® to give you the best result.
Other uses for Botox cosmetic®
Botox cosmetic® is used for many other reasons besides wrinkles. A chemical browlift can be performed using Botox cosmetic® that will elevate the brows. Patients who suffer from excessive sweating known as hyperhydrosis can be treated with Botox cosmetic® which dramatically reduces sweating.