BOTOX® Cosmetic
WHAT IS BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a new concept in treating facial wrinkles
in the forehead, between the eyes, and in the “crows
feet” areas (upper third of the face). Botulinum
toxin, or BOTOX® Cosmetic works by weakening the muscles of
facial expressions. Once the resting tone of the
treated muscles is weakened, the pull of the muscles
relaxes and the overlying skin flattens. This approach
is different than the other local treatments for
the aging face. Silicone, Collagen, Autologous Fat
Transfer, Alloderm, Softform, etc., all work by filling
in wrinkles or depressions. These fillers are frequently
not as effective as BOTOX® Cosmetic in treating wrinkles in
the upper third of the face. By physiologically weakening
the muscles, wrinkles are lessened naturally.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Injection of this material into the small muscles
between the brows, in the forehead and at the corners
of the eyes causes those specific muscles to halt
their function (be paralyzed), thereby improving
the appearance of the wrinkles. This paralysis is
temporary and re-injection is necessary within three
to ten months. Options for alternative treatments
include injection of either collagen or free fat,
or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually
through a brow lift.
HOW IS IT USED?
Using a very tiny needle, small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic
are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed. Depending
on the areas being treated, 5-15 needle pricks (or
more) may be required. Discomfort is minimal and
lasts only a few seconds.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Occasionally, the needle may puncture a small blood
vessel during the injection and a black and blue
area may develop. Such an area can last 5-10 days
and may require make-up to cover.
If any of the Botulinum toxin reaches a facial
muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that
muscle may last for several months. (For this reason,
you are requested not to massage the injected areas
for 12 hours following the injection.) If an untreated
area experiences muscle weakness, the only “treatment” is
to wait for the effect of the toxin to wear off in
several months.
There are no recognized permanent side effects
of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Complications are rare but may include
paralysis of a nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary
loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). BOTOX® Cosmetic
has been used safely in the treatment of muscular
facial spasms for approximately 15 years.
BOTOX® Cosmetic IN COMBINATION WITH FACIAL SURGERY:
BOTOX® Cosmetic injected in conjunction with nearby facial
surgery has caused unwanted facial weakness in at
least one patient. For this reason, we will inject
Botox only as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.
NOTE: The specific risks and suitability
of this procedure for a given individual can be determined
only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures
have some degree of risk. Minor complications that
do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major
complications are rare.
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