Botox® Cosmetic Injections
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| WHAT IS Botox® Cosmetic? |
Botox® Cosmetic is a protein derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. When injected into muscles it causes paralysis of the muscle. Botox® Cosmetic does not contain any bacteria but only the purified protein which causes the muscle paralysis. Since such small amounts of the chemical are injected it is impossible to develop botulism from Botox® Cosmetic injections. |
| ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS? |
| Botox® Cosmetic carries very little risk, however, there are some possible complications including developing a droopy eyelid if the Botox® Cosmetic is injected too close to the eyebrow. Other minor side effects have been noted such as headaches, a flu-like syndrome or nausea. There is ocassional small amount of redness at the injection site which lasts for approximately one day. |
| WHAT DOES Botox® Cosmetic DO? |
| Because Botox® Cosmetic is a prescription drug it must be used under careful medical supervision. |
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. |
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| Are Botox Treatments Safe?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments for a variety of conditions and it is quickly becoming a popular treatment for removing 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 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. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.
Most people have excellent results that can last from as little as two months to up to six months. The best results are obtained by careful injection considering the muscles involved in the expression lines. The quantity or dose depends on the areas to be treated. Good results depend on the expertise of the physician performing the procedure and will avoid bruises that usually are the result of poor technique. |
