Botox Cosmetic
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although BOTOX® Cosmetic, at very high doses, is considered a toxin, there have been no serious side effects reported from its use to treat wrinkles. To treat wrinkles, we use a dilution 3 million times less that those that cause toxicity. Additionally, these extremely small amounts remain localized to the injection site and do not spread throughout the body.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
A few drops of BOTOX® Cosmetic are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle relaxes. As the muscle relaxes, the skin overlying the muscle smoothes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.
Does A BOTOX® Cosmetic Injection Hurt?
When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.
Where Can BOTOX® Cosmetic Be Injected?
The most common areas for the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic are frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well.
Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Affect Other Facial Expressions or Create Numbness?
BOTOX® Cosmetic doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the BOTOX® Cosmetic is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.
How Long Does A BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment Last?
The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.
Is The Botox Treatment For Everyone?
There are a few considerations regarding BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. The treatment is not inexpensive, so cost can be a factor. Some patients will have treatments only before big events (weddings, class reunions, holiday photos, etc.) so the cost may only be a one time consideration. Other patients may elect to maintain a wrinkle free appearance by treating 2-3 times per year. Patients who are pregnant, nursing, have an allergy to eggs (BOTOX® Cosmetic comes packed in an egg (albumin) protein for stability), have a known allergy to BOTOX® Cosmetic, or have certain neurologic diseases should not be treated.
In this age of hectic and stressful lifestyles, it is nice to have an option to brighten ones appearance. Just like a nice haircut, new suit, new pair of shoes, or new piece of jewelry can enhance your image, so too can a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, by taking years off of your appearance.
