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Botox® Cosmetic
Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®) is a sterile, purified protein produced in the laboratory. When injected, it binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and blocks the nerve impulses necessary to make the muscle move. The effect is a softening of the facial muscles and may temporarily eliminate or reduce skin creases caused by the movement of that muscle. Botox® is most commonly used on the forehead, between the brows, Glabellar area and crow's feet. It may also be used for some lip wrinkle and neck bands.
Most physicians recommend that their patients return on a regular schedule every 3-4 months to prevent the renewal or deepening of facial lines.
What can I expect following the treatment?
Botulinum exotoxin, BOTOX® Cosmetic, is an inhibitor of neuromuscular activity. It blocks the communication between the nerve fiber and the muscle preventing contraction and temporally relaxing the muscle. Botulinum toxin is a safe, effective, and proven method for treating fine lines and wrinkles. Its safety is well established, as it has been used therapeutically for over 20 years.
Is Botox® for me?
If you desire a slight improvement in your look or a "cleaning up" of age-related wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be for you. It has become a superb option for the patient hesitant to undergo surgery, yet wants to erase the deep creases and furrows of the face. By relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles, you can rid yourself of the heavy tension look or remove a misrepresented, tired and angry appearance. Patients appreciate its subtle improvement and are pleased when their acquaintances are not quite sure why they look better. Following treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic, you can expect to appear more relaxed and rested. BOTOX® Cosmetic is also commonly used to reduce the heavy vertical creases between the eyebrows, flatten deep forehead wrinkles, and smooth out the crow’s feet area of the eyes. Newer areas that are being treated include the age-defining wrinkles around the mouth, nose and the thick muscle bands of the neck.
When will I see the results and how long will it last?
You can generally expect to see results in 3-5 days, although it may take as long as two weeks. Most people can expect to enjoy the benefits for 3-4 months, and some people will see results lasting up to 6 months.
What is the future of Botox®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic's indication continues to expand. Currently BOTOX® is used to reduce excessive underarm and palm sweating, and is it also being used in adjunction to surgical and laser procedures. Relief from migraine headaches is a new and interesting indication for BOTOX® Cosmetic, as several innovative ideas continue to be developed for BOTOX® Cosmetic use. Its safety and convenience assures it is here to stay.
Frequently Asked Botox Questions
What are Botox® injections?
Botox® injections are injections of the cosmetic form of the botulinum toxin, which inhibits neuromuscular activity. Botox® can be injected into areas of the face to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Who is the best candidate for Botox®?
The best candidate for Botox® is a physically healthy man or woman with realistic expectations and interested in temporarily reducing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Botox® injections are particularly beneficial for patients not interested in undergoing surgery.
Where are Botox® procedures performed?
Botox® procedures are usually performed in a surgeon's office.
Is anesthesia used for the Botox® procedure?
Anesthesia is typically not used with Botox® injections.
How long does the procedure take, and how long will the results last?
The Botox® procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete. The results of Botox® are not permanent. For most patients, the results last three to four months though some patients may experience results lasting up to six months
Is Botox® a painful procedure?
Though patients may experience a temporary burning sensation, the procedure is typically a painless one.
What is the recovery like after Botox® injections?
Botox® injections typically involve little or no downtime and patients are usually able to immediately resume their normal activities.
Are there any risks or complications of Botox®?
There are few complications associated with Botox®, though a very small percentage of patients may experience no improve. Otherwise patients may, during injection, experience some local numbness or a burning sensation, swelling, or bruising.
Does insurance ever cover the cost of Botox® injections?
When performed solely for cosmetic purposes, Botox® injections are typically not covered by insurance. If there is some medical purpose to the procedure, coverage may be available to some degree and patients should check with their own insurance carrier.
Can Botox® injections be financed?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures and your surgeon should be able to give you more information.
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