WHY DOES OUR SKIN WRINKLE?
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion you show, the deeper these lines are likely to be. While you may have earned every one of your worry lines, you don't have to show them anymore.
Now, after extensive testing Botox is approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and frown lines. The procedure known as denervation uses Botox injections to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow's feet and other dynamic wrinkles.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
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. 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.
ARE BOTOX TREATMENTS SAFE?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Every year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments for a variety of conditions and it is now the top medical treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?
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 injection is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required and you can resume normal activities. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience slight bruising at the injection site, especially if they are on certain medications or herbal supplements.
HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT LAST?
Most people notice Botox beginning to work by day 3 and maximum results are seen at 2 weeks. The effect usually lasts for about 3-4 months, although it can last for up to 6 months in some patients.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect and may happen as much as 10% of the time. In some cases, Botox can migrate and cause temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In very rare cases there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effects depends on the muscles injected. Your provider will discuss this in length with you before your treatment. Because the effects of Botox are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.
HOW DO I KNOW IF BOTOX COSMETIC IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for Botox Cosmetic. You should not be treated with Botox if you have an infection at the proposed injection site. Patients with certain neurological disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
According to a survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it's one of the least-costly facial aesthetic procedures. And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may find Botox to be a great way to invest in yourself.
