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Botox
for Wrinkles |
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Some wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of muscles in the
face. You may have heard the expression “laugh lines”
or “smile lines.” Over time, creases formed can lead to
a persistent frown and more aged appearance. The precise use of Botox*
is the best approach to prevent and eliminate these lines. Treated
facial muscles become chemically relaxed for an average of 3-4 months.
Botox may be used in addition to, or in place of, other cosmetic procedures.
Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that
are related to expression lines. Botox relaxes the muscles so they
do not contract. The contraction of the muscle is the culprit causing
the wrinkles. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and
unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal
fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
Botox was officially approved for cosmetic use in 2002 by the FDA
for glabellar lines (vertical lines between the brows) and is often
used off label by physicians for other areas, including the forehead,
crow’s feet (next to the eyes), perioral lines, and sometimes
even to shape the brow.
Cosmetic denervation
with Botox is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny micro-needle,
a very small amount of Botox is injected, very precisely, into several
locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small
amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections
is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No
sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal
activities immediately. Some patients experience a slight temporary
bruising at the injection site that can easily be covered with makeup.
No long-term side effects have been described with the cosmetic use
of Botox. Botox is very safe and used in much larger doses in other
fields of medicine. Although rare, the medication can affect nearby
muscles, causing temporary, but unintended, muscle paralysis. Examples
include eyelid droop or double vision, seen in only a very small percentage
of patients treated. Those effects are always temporary and often
can be treated with eye drops.
Patients on selected medications or with certain medical disorders
are not advised to have Botox. Captopril may inhibit Botox while certain
antibiotics may exaggerate the effect. Individuals who are pregnant,
or have egg allergies, or a neuromuscular disorder are advised to
avoid Botox.
After treatment a few simple techniques may maximize the benefit and
minimize side effects. Gauze should be held over the skin until pinpoint
bleeding stops. It is also helpful to frown repeatedly during the
first hour after injection. Patients should avoid touching the area
or lying down for four hours.
In summary, Botox is a safe, effective, FDA-approved tool that may
be used to treat certain types of wrinkles for 3-4 months at a time.
Side effects as described above are minor and temporary. The procedure
may be repeated as desired by the patient and may be used in combination
with other treatments to achieve a more youthful appearance.
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Commonly Asked Questions: |
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What is Botox Cosmetic?
It is a purified protein. It is administered by a physician and can
temporarily reduce frown lines between the brows. It is minimally
invasive, non-surgical, and requires no recovery time.
Is it safe? Botox injections have been safely used for more than 10
years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each
year thousands of people receive Botox treatment for a variety of
conditions. It is now one of the most popular treatments to reverse
the signs of aging.
How long does
it take? About 10 minutes and a few tiny injections. Within
several days there is a noticeable improvement.
How long does it last? It depends, but, on the average, it lasts up
to four months. After this time, the area between your brows will
return to pre-treatment appearance.
Are
there any contraindications? If you are pregnant or have a
neuromuscular disease, such as Myasthenia Gravis, ALS, or Eaton Lambert
Syndrome, you may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
What are the potential side effects? Common side effects include headache, respiratory infections, flu,
temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Other side effects include pain
and redness where the medicine was injected, pain in the face and
muscle weakness.
Is it painful? No anesthesia is required and discomfort is minimal
and brief. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You
can resume normal activity immediately.
What
other treatments can be used in combination? A number of people
combine Botox Cosmetic with Cosmoderm, Hyaluronic Acid and Microdermabrasion
or a Chemical Peel.
Where can I get more information on this procedure? You can come in
for a consultation and discuss your options with one of our physicians
or you can visit BotoxCosmetic.com for more information.
What does it cost? The cost is per unit
and varies in different geographical regions. The average number of
units involved is somewhere between 20 and 30 per treatment. The amount
of muscle involved determines how much Botox Cosmetic the physician
uses. Males usually require a higher dose than a female requires because
of the greater muscle mass. To find out about the cost, please contact
Be Medical Spa.
For the best option available to you individually, please schedule
a consultation with one of our physicians. |
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