Botox® Cosmetic

BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein toxin produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Although it is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects because it's used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body. BOTOX Cosmetic has been used in the US for over 20 years to restore a normal voice for people with vocal chord spasms (spasmodic dysphonia), uncontrolled eye twitches (blepharospasm), and a muscle-related eye disorder (strabismus).

BOTOX Cosmetic is an injected solution that is used for the reduction and or removal of:

• Vertical lines between the eyebrows.
• Horizontal forehead lines.
• Crow's feet.
• Horizontal lines in the neck.
• Laugh lines on the nose.
• Migraine headaches.
• Reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed within 48 hours and the maximal benefit is attained about one week after treatment.

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What is the cause of wrinkles and facial expression lines?

Lines and wrinkles develop, at least in part, from the action of facial muscles on the overlying skin. After years, furrows may remain along these facial expression lines even without any active facial muscle expression. This is especially true of lines of the forehead and between the eyebrows. Other lines, such as crow's feet, may make us appear older than our chronological age. The development of these lines is promoted by years of sun exposure, and to a lesser degree, by smoking. BOTOX® Cosmetic is capable of preventing these unwanted facial expression lines and wrinkles.

How does BOTOX Cosmetic work?

BOTOX Cosmetic acts by producing muscle relaxation at treated sites. It does this by inhibiting contraction of the targeted muscles, causing them to relax. The strategic relaxation of certain facial muscles leads to decreased wrinkling of the overlying skin.

What kind of facial lines does BOTOX Cosmetic remove?

Prominent facial expression lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eye brows, and crow's feet are most dramatically improved with treatment.

How does BOTOX Cosmetic compare to other products such as collagen and filler materials?

Unlike filler materials, BOTOX Cosmetic treats the underlying cause of the facial expression lines. Filler materials, such as collagen, only plump up the skin. Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines when there is no facial expression, the moment the person does smile or frown, the lines reappear. BOTOX actually prevents the unwanted lines from appearing with facial expression, and often even at rest.

How is BOTOX Cosmetic treatment performed and how many treatments are required?

A small quantity of solution is injected directly into the muscles that are the cause of the prominent furrowing or expression lines. Typically several injections are given with each treatment, and one or two treatments are usually effective in achieving the muscle relaxation required to eliminate the unwanted expression lines.

How long do the results of BOTOX Cosmetic last?

The muscle relaxation with BOTOX Cosmetic lasts for 3 to 6 months. When the effect of BOTOX Cosmetic wears off or diminishes, (i.e., the muscles that contribute to these facial expression lines again become active and the lines gradually reappear) treatment can again be administered.

How does the skin appear after BOTOX Cosmetic?

Immediately after treatment the skin appears normal or there may be minimal redness and swelling at the treated sites. Occasionally, there can be mild bruising. If present, these changes resolve within a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual sensation.

When can I expect to see results after BOTOX Cosmetic treatment?

Within 48 hours after treatment reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after treatment the maximal benefit is attained and continues for a few months.

Are there any limitations after BOTOX Cosmetic treatment?

No. Immediately after treatment you may resume all normal activities.

Is there any discomfort with BOTOX Cosmetic treatment?

There is usually mild discomfort at the injection sites. This only lasts for a few seconds. Many patients choose to use a numbing cream on the skin prior to the injections, however, this is only seldom needed.

Are there any risks or side effects with BOTOX Cosmetic?

Rarely. If BOTOX Cosmetic should affect an adjacent muscle, it too may have reduced activity. This has been reported in about one percent of those treated and if this does develop, the most common change is some eyelid drooping. However, any such unwanted muscle relaxation would also be temporary. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when BOTOX Cosmetic is administered to the muscles of the forehead.

Can BOTOX Cosmetic cause botulism?

No. Extraordinarily small amounts of BOTOX Cosmetic are administered. These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or any related symptoms.

For more info, see the BOTOX Cosmetic website