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Botox Cosmetic™


What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is the trade name for Botulinum purified neurotoxin complex. When Botox therapy for wrinkles on the face is performed, tiny amounts of the toxin are injected into the facial muscles responsible for movement and the creation of the dynamic facial lines and wrinkles. This injection then weakens the muscle, which reduces the associated facial lines and wrinkles. Thus, Botox therapy works best for those dynamic lines that are directly associated with muscle movement.

Are there any side effects?

There are no permanent side effects:

  • there can be bruising and mild pain at the site of injections
  • eyebrow or eyelid drop - this is seen in 1-2% of patients. It lasts 2-4 weeks. A medication can be prescribed to correct this until it is gone.

How often is it needed?

The effect is temporary meaning it will have to be repeated on a regular basis to remain effective. How long each treatment will last depends on the depth of the wrinkles, the size of the muscles and the amount injected. An average response of 3 to 6 months is the norm depending on the above factors. It seems that the response to Botox becomes longer with each successive injection.

What if a patient stops receiving injections?

Gradually the pre-treatment lines will probably return with time.

What happens after an injection?

After Botox is injected into the targeted muscle, the weakening effect gradually begins over 3 to 5 days and is not complete for up to two weeks. Therefore optimal results are not seen for at least two weeks.

What areas are commonly treated?

Most commonly the glabellar frown lines (deep creases between the eyebrows), forehead wrinkles, and crows feet (lateral aspect of the eyes) are treated. It can be used to lessen upper lip wrinkles and the appearance of irregular dimpled area of the skin on the chin.

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