Frequently Asked Questions

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Many people wish to look younger but are not ready for a surgical procedure like a facelift, nor do they even require extensive surgery. Fortunately, there are ways to reverse the inevitable signs of aging without surgery or a long recovery period. These small steps can include BOTOX® Cosmetic.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

The cosmetic form of BOTOX® (trade name for botulinum purified neurotoxin complex), the most popular non-surgical injection cosmetic treatment in North America, temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow's feet near the eyes, and thick bands in the neck. By temporarily blocking the nerve impulses, the muscles that cause wrinkles relax, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

What are the benefits?

• a trusted therapeutic choice used by millions

• has been used safely and successfully for wrinkle therapy for over 20 years

• no downtime

• it is a purified protein

• short appointment time

• allows for natural movement

• results last three to four months

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?

Used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified protein, small doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction.

By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing expression lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week.

What should I expect?

One 10 minute treatment — a few tiny injections — blocks the nerve impulses and relaxes the muscles. As the muscle relaxes, the dynamic wrinkle overlying the muscle is smoothed away.

Since the treatment only relaxes the muscle beneath the line at the injection site, it has no effect on other elements of facial expression. It also has no effect on the sensory nerves, allowing for normal feeling in the treated areas.

What happens after a BOTOX® Cosmetic injection?

After BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the targeted muscle, the weakening effect gradually begins over 3-5 days, and is not complete for two weeks. Therefore, optimal results are not seen until then. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic usually last three to four months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects often begin to last longer. Repeated use is truly anti-aging!

Are there any side effects with BOTOX® treatments?

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely by millions for over 18 years. There is no permanent side effect known with BOTOX® therapy for facial wrinkles. However, there are several temporary side effects which can occur including:

Bruising and pain at the site of the BOTOX® injection. A tiny needle is used to minimize the discomfort, and this can be lessened even more by the use of a topical anesthetic cream prior to treatment.

Eyebrow or eyelid droop: This is seen in 1-2% of patients receiving BOTOX® therapy. It usually only lasts 2-4 weeks and is mild.

What areas are commonly treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic on the face and neck?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is most commonly used for the glabella frown lines (those deep creases between the eyebrows); forehead wrinkles, and crows feet (wrinkles on the lateral aspect of the eyes). BOTOX® treatments can be used to lessen upper lip wrinkles, mouth frown, and the appearance of irregular dimpled skin on the chin. It is often used to treat "turkey neck" bands or "necklace lines" that appear on the neck with age.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is not used to treat smile lines which are usually filled with Juvedérm® or Restaylne to create a very pleasing effect, while preserving the natural smile muscle dynamics.

What other areas can be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic?

In recent studies, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been shown to be effective in decreasing sweating of the armpits, hands, and feet. BOTOX® treatments control hyperhydrosis by blocking the release of the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands --acetylcholine. BOTOX® Cosmetic is also used to treat tension headaches and migraines. Doctors are also now beginning to use BOTOX® injections to treat spasmodic low back pain and neck pain. Many extended health care plans will pay for BOTOX® Cosmetic for therapeutic use. In cases such as this, the only cost to you is the injection fee. We will be happy to answer your fee related questions about the therapeutic use of BOTOX® Cosmetic .

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 return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® treatment.

What are the MISCONCEPTIONS of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is not magic. It is medicine, the result of years of careful research and testing. It is the only one of its type with over 10 years of success in treating patients with a variety of conditions. With dosing specific to treat frown lines, this same product is now available as BOTOX® Cosmetic .

BOTOX® treatment will not radically change your appearance or make you look like you've had "work done." It will not make you look 20 years younger. Because it's highly localized and administered intramuscularly, its effects are usually confined to the region of injection, and BOTOX® Cosmetic does not remain in your body indefinitely.