Cosmetic Botox Injections

Botox® (botulinum toxin type A)  is perfectly safe, has long been used as a medical treatment and can make you look years younger.  Botox® has been used medically since 1980 (to treat cerebral palsy, facial tics, muscle spasms, and lazy eye) and was approved by the FDA in 1989.  Botox® been used cosmetically for years.

Botox® is a simple, nonsurgical procedure that can smooth deep persistent lines (which have developed over time) for up to four months.  Botox® is a natural, purified protein which is injected in very low doses into overactice muscles that cause lines to form.  Botox® works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract.  It does not travel throughout the body.

Botox® is administered in units.  Units are to Botox® as milligrams are to blood pressure medications.  If you aren’t given the appropriate strength (i.e., milligrams of medication), your blood pressure will not be controlled.  The same is true for Botox®.  The amount of units you receive directly relates to how effective Botox® will be and how long it will last. 

At this time, Allergan is the only manufacturer of Botox®, and it recommends a minimum of 20 units between the eyebrows to relax those muscles for approximately three to four months.  Many people may need more Botox® depending on the strength of their muscle.  The same goes for the other areas clinicians commonly inject.

Most patients compare the sensation of a Botox® injection to a bug bite.  Overall, the discomfort is minimal and temporary.

On the day of the  Botox® treatment, you will be asked not to bend over or lie down for four hours after the injections.  We will also ask you not to ice, rub or massage the area.  We will ask you to move the muscles, every 15 minutes for the next few hours.  It is believed that this helps Botox® bind to the muscle.  We will also ask that you avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours after the injections.

The most common side effects, if they occur at all, are headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea.  Bruising is also possible in the treated areas.  We ask that you not take aspirin or blood thinners  (only if it is not medically contraindicated) for 48 hours prior to receiving Botox® injections because that will increase the chance of bruising. 

It usually takes seven to ten days to see the full effects of Botox®.  Botox® lasts up to four months.  When it wears off, your lines will gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

Botox® relaxes the muscle that creates the wrinkles, smoothing skin and eliminating lines.  Your facial expressions will look natural.  Although the results are dramatic, Botox® will not radically change your facial appearance.  The muscles are simply relaxed, so you can still smile, frown or look surprised.   Many times, to get the best results, we combine Botox®with other procedures.  Botox®doesn’t do everything.