BOTOX® Cosmetic
What is Botox®?
Botox® is a muscle relaxing agent, derived from Botulinum, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscle. The most common area of treatment is frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet. It gives a non–surgical brow lift producing a relaxed and rejuvenated appearance. It may also be used to treat excessive underarm sweating.
How does the treatment work?
Botox® temporarily reduces the contractions of the muscles that cause wrinkles. By relaxing the muscles, the overlying skin becomes smoother. Several tiny Botox® injections are administered directly into the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Susan Stevens Tanne, M.D. will determine where those muscles are located, and will discuss appropriate treatment options with you.
See how you might look after BOTOX® Cosmetic.
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Is Botox® safe?
Botox® is safe and has very few side effects. Rare side effects include headache, flu symptoms and temporary eyelid droop.
Will there be any downtime?
You may resume normal activities immediately. Vigorous exercise or lying flat may be restricted for a few hours following treatment. Many patients undergo Botox® treatment during their lunch break and return to work after treatment.
What are the benefits of Botox®?
Botox® has no downtime as opposed to other wrinkle reducing methods. Also, following treatment there is no pain or discomfort. Results can be seen after with 3 –7 days.
How long does a Botox® treatment last?
A Botox® treatment lasts only a short period of time and depends on how many areas are being injected and the size of the treated areas.
Is Botox® treatment painful?
The only pain or discomfort is a slight pinprick sensation from the small needle injecting the Botox®.
How long do results last?
Results of Botox® vary and can last up to four months. Generally, most people can expect three months of improvement. Treatments should be repeated every three to four months for maintenance.
Who are candidates for Botox®?
Candidates for Botox® injections are age eighteen and older, interested in improving the appearance of their face. Many candidates are seeking relief from wrinkles and brow furrows, and looking to achieve a more rested, relaxed appearance.
Who should avoid Botox®?
Do not use Botox® if you have an infection where the Botox® will be injected, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox® or are pregnant. Some conditions may increase the chance of infection, so a doctor should be advised of your medical history before receiving Botox®.
What are the alternative treatments?
An alternative treatment to Botox® is skin resurfacing, which includes many types of laser therapies and chemical peels. This will, however, not relax the lines created when muscle movement occurs. These procedures can be painful and may have a much longer recovery time than Botox®. Other alternatives include surgery such as a brow lift.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Generally, after three to four months, the Botox® effects will begin to fade and facial features will gradually return to their former state. Maintenance treatments are necessary to keep the effect of Botox® for long periods of time.
What are the limitations of Botox®?
The limitation of Botox® is that it is not a permanent answer to reducing wrinkles. Also, results vary and occasional problems with asymmetry may occur.
Who provides the Botox® treatments?
All Botox® treatments at Cosmetic Laser MD are performed by Dr. Tanne.
Instructions before treatment:
Avoid alcoholic beverages and anti–inflammatory medications, especially aspirin, before treatment. Schedule a Botox® appointment at least two weeks prior to any special events to allow time to heal.
Instructions after treatment:
Treat any mild discomfort with Tylenol, and expect temporary swelling. Do not massage the treated areas because it may move the Botox® around and create a different effect. It is generally recommended to remain upright for four hours after injections and avoid aerobic activity for a few hours.
