BOTOX® Cosmetic
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BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is a revolutionary approach to reducing facial wrinkles. Crows feet, worry lines and laugh lines are dynamic wrinkle lines and may be treated with this procedure. Cosmetic denervation is the process of injecting BOTOX® into the tiny facial muscles that create the wrinkles.
BOTOX® is a purified protein derived from a bacterium. It works by inhibiting the release of a chemical (acetylcholine) from the nerve ending which causes the muscle to contract. It only works locally at the nerve ending and not systemically. Its effect wears off when the nerve forms a new nerve ending in 3 to 4 months.
It does not affect sensation (does not cause numbness), and does not damage the nerve or the muscle.
Before the Procedure
We will review your medical history prior to the procedure and examine your upper face and eyes to decide the most effective injection sites. Areas of cosmetic concern to you will be discussed.
Digital photographs are taken in order to determine the amount of improvement afterwards.
The BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections may be performed with either no anesthesia, topical anesthetic cream, or under I.V. sedation. Only a very small sting is typically felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to three times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience such dramatic results. BOTOX® Cosmetic is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Post-Operative Information
After the procedure, patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Ice should be applied to the face, after which normal activities may be resumed. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases an eyelid may droop. BOTOX® Cosmetic is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. The doctor will explain all risks associated at the time of your consultation.