BOTOX®
Smooth away wrinkles and reverse the effects of time!
Cosmetic Uses of Botox®
Doctors have been using Botox for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are also other brand names, such as Dysport and Xeomin.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle cannot contract, which makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet, which are the lines around the eye, and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.
How Is a Botox Procedure Done?
Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and does not require anesthesia. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.
It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect, and it is best to avoid alcohol starting at least one week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results may vary.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Will BOTOX Make Me Look Fake?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression. It is important to talk to your provider about the outcomes you want from treatment as well as any precautions and risks from the procedure. To get the best results, it’s important to go to a doctor who is experienced in administering BOTOX® Cosmetic. You may want to consider choosing a doctor who has been certified in BOTOX® administration. At Houston Medical Weightloss/Aesthetic Clinic, our physicians & assistants are certified.
How Long Does a Botox Injection Last?
The effects from Botox will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.
How Often is Treatment Recommended?
If you’re pleased with the results of a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, you’ll probably want to get on a treatment schedule so you can keep on being pleased.
If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox. Headaches, which end in 24 to 48 hours, can happen, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually ends within three weeks. Drooping usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don’t rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lie down for three to four hours.
Other Side Effects of BOTOX?
Dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, and eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes.
Who Should Not Receive Botox?
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use Botox. Since Botox does not work for all wrinkles, you should consult with a doctor first