BOTOX®-Wrinkle Treatment

What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a therapeutic agent derived from bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum; Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is produced under controlled laboratory conditions. Originally used for the treatment of blepharospasm (eye spasm) and strabismus (misalignment of the eye), the FDA approved BOTOX® as a cosmetic wrinkle remedy in 2002.

What is BOTOX® used for?
Other than for its originally intended purpose, this product has been found to have cosmetic applications as well. BOTOX® is now used to improve the look of fine lines and superficial wrinkles caused from every day facial expressions like smiling, frowning or squinting by prohibiting these movements. If you find that the early signs of aging are becoming apparent or if your facial expressions are causing premature wrinkles to appear, then BOTOX® may be for you. BOTOX is also used in the prevention or smoothing of wrinkles as well, by prohibiting you from making the facial gestures that cause wrinkles. BOTOX® may not remove a static wrinkle completely; It only disallows you from furrowing your brow or squinting a certain part around your eye. If your wrinkles are static, then it may lessen them a bit. However, if your wrinkles are superficial, it can smooth it considerably so that it appears that they have been removed.

How does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® is injected into the underlying muscles of the affected area in very small doses. Once injected, it blocks the impulses from the nerves to those tiny facial muscles, causing them to relax. Untreated facial muscles continue to react in a normal fashion allowing natural facial expressions.

What to expect at your BOTOX® appointment?
The doctor will ask you to contract the muscles in the area being treated so he can determine the proper location for injection. BOTOX® is then injected with a micro-needle into your facial muscles that your individual needs require. One to five injections are usually given per muscle. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete an average amount of injections during your visit. Most patients report very little pain or discomfort associated with BOTOX® injections due to the tiny size of the needle, but you will feel at least some discomfort due to the injections. You will typically see your results from BOTOX® within a few hours to three days. You will be given post-procedure instructions for care. The amount of muscle movement to the sites treated must be restricted while it “settles in.”

Following your BOTOX® treatment
You will see maximum benefit in one to two weeks. The effects will last approximately three months after your treatment. As the effects of BOTOX wear off, you will notice a very gradual fading of its effects. At this point, you will want to return for your next treatment.

What are the benefits of BOTOX® treatment?
There is no downtime. Patients can immediately resume normal activities. It has proven to be a safe, effective treatment for dynamic wrinkles. No systemic complications are associated with BOTOX®. The treatment is reversible within several months. It may also be beneficial for the treatment of migraine headaches.