BOTOX® Cosmetic
 Botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) works by weakening the muscles of facial expression which insert on the surface of facial skin. Once the resting tone of these muscles are weakened, The pull of the muscles relax and the skin flattens out. This is an entirely different approach to treating the aging face. Injectable materials including collagen and fat injections work by filling in a wrinkle. These fillers are not as effective as BOTOX® in improving the frown wrinkles between the eyebrows and wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). By physiologically weakening the muscles, these wrinkles are improved naturally. BOTOX® has been successfully used for the treatment of vertical frown lines, crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, chin creases, horizontal neck lines, and smile lines. It has also been used in facial asymmetry or paralysis to reduce expressivity on the unaffected side.
BOTOX® can also be used for some forms of migraines and facial spasms. Botox takes 3-5 days to take effect after injection and lasts between 3-6 months. There are no serious side effects associated with the use of botox with the doses that are employed. Side effects can occur if BOTOX® migrates from the injection sites. For this reason, it is wise to avoid massaging the area for 12 hours after the injection. Possible side effects include a limited droop of the eyebrow or upper eyelid when injected near the eye. Fortunately, if this occurs, it is temporary but may last 2-3 weeks. There is no antidote for BOTOX® and you must wait for it to wear off. There have been no allergic, anaphylactic or systemic reactions associated with BOTOX® at the dosages we employ. Pregnant women and patients with degenerative neuromuscular diseases should not be treated with BOTOX®. BOTOX® is administered in the office by an injection directly into the muscles causing the wrinkles. A small bruise may occur at the injection site. You can immediately resume full activities.
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