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procedures > BOTOX® Cosmetic
* This procedure is for wrinkles
and lines.
Many people wish to look younger but are not ready
for a surgical procedure like a facelift, nor do they even require
extensive surgery. Fortunately there are ways to reverse the inevitable
signs of aging without surgery or a long recovery period. These
small steps can include BOTOX® Cosmetic.
What is BOTOX®?
The cosmetic form of BOTOX®, the most popular,
non-surgical injection cosmetic treatment in North America, temporarily
reduces
or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet
near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. By temporarily blocking
the nerve impulses, the muscles that cause wrinkles relax, giving
the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Benefits:
- a trusted therapeutic choice used by millions
- has been used
safely and successfully for wrinkle therapy for over 18 years
- no
downtime
- it is a purified protein
- short appointment time
- allows for natural movement
- results last three to four months
How it works:
Used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified
protein, small doses of BOTOX® block the release of a chemical called
acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By
selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to
contract, existing expression lines are smoothed out and, in most
cases, are nearly invisible in a week.
What to expect:
One 10 minute treatment — a few tiny injections — blocks
the nerve impulses and relaxes the muscles. As the muscle relaxes,
the dynamic wrinkle overlying the muscle is smoothed away. Since
the treatment only relaxes the muscle beneath the line at the injection
site, it has no effect on other elements of facial expression.
It also has no effect on the sensory nerves, allowing for normal
feeling in the treated areas.
The effects of BOTOX® cosmetic
usually last three to four months, at which time another injection
is required. After several treatments,
the effects often begin to last longer. Repeated use is truly
anti-aging! Are there any side effects with BOTOX®?
BOTOX® has been used safely by millions for over 18 years. There
is no permanent side effect known with BOTOX® therapy for facial
wrinkles. However, there are several temporary side effects which
can occur including:
- Bruising and pain at the site of injection
of the BOTOX®. A tiny needle
is used to minimize the discomfort, and this can be lessened even more by
the use of a topical anesthetic cream prior to treatment.
- Eyebrow or eyelid
droop: This is seen in 1-2% of patients receiving BOTOX® therapy. It usually
only lasts 2-4 weeks, and is mild.
What areas are commonly treated with BOTOX® on the face and neck?
BOTOX® is most commonly used for the glabellar
frown lines (those deep creases between the eyebrows); forehead
wrinkles, and crows
feet (wrinkles on the lateral aspect of the eyes). BOTOX® can be
used to lessen
upper lip wrinkles, mouth frown,and the appearance of irregular
dimpled skin on the chin. It is often used to treat “turkey
neck” bands or “necklace lines” that appear on
the neck with age. BOTOX® is not used to treat smile lines which
are usually filled with Restylane to create a very pleasing effect,
while preserving the natural smile muscle dynamics.
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