What is BOTOX and how is it used?
Is BOTOX the best treatment for you?
What results can be expected?
What is BOTOX and how is it used?
The purpose of BOTOX treatment is to relax the facial muscles causing a wrinkling between the eyebrow, upper nose, and around the eyes. BOTOX is a highly purified solution of a motor nerve blocking agent. It is approved by the FDA and has been used for nearly 20 years for treatment of patients who suffer from spasm of the upper eyelid muscles. By carefully injecting minute amounts of BOTOX directly into the overactive fascial muscle, a temporary relaxation of the muscle is achieved. The long history of safety and effectiveness of BOTOX makes it a very useful adjunct for treatment of facial wrinkles.
BOTOX treatment does not require anesthesia, however, an anesthetic cream or cold compress may be used to numb the area before injection. There is very little discomfort from the fine needle stick and occasionally a temporary redness or slight discoloration may develop around the injection site (easily covered with makeup).
Is BOTOX the best treatment for you?
A complete facial analysis will determine which patients and what areas may benefit from BOTOX treatment. Since Botox can only treat wrinkles caused by muscle contraction, lines and wrinkles caused by loose or excess skin may require resurfacing by laser or chemical peel for maximum improvement. Excess skin around the eyes may require blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck) to correct signs of aging.
What results can be expected?
Botox treatments take only a few minutes, and make-up may be applied right after the procedure. Normal activity may be resumed immediately. Results begin to show 2-7 days after treatment and usually last for three to six months. During this time, muscle activity will gradually return and additional treatments are usually needed to maintain the effect. Some patients, after two or three treatments, will show prolonged relaxation of these muscles (up to one year).