WHAT IS BOTOX® COSMETIC?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only FDA-approved prescription product that temporarily improves the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and moderate to severe crow’s feet in adults.
BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the surface
Wrinkles result from a combination of many factors. It’s not just about cellular changes, collagen depletion, or damage caused by free radicals. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. And when you squint, the muscles around your eyes contract and cause crow’s feet.
BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the skin’s surface and targets the underlying muscle activity that causes frown lines and crow’s feet to form over time.
Your doctor will inject BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles that cause frown lines and crow’s feet lines, temporarily reducing the activity of those muscles. The result is a reduction in the appearance of those lines.
How does it work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the release of a substance called acetylcholine. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe wrinkles to form.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic make me look fake?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to your provider about the results you want from treatment as well as any precautions and risks from the procedure.
When will I see results?
You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours with the maximum effect visible at 30 days.
Results may vary.
Does it hurt?
Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your provider may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, your provider may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
What should I tell my doctor?
– Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know if you have been treated with a botulinum toxin product in the last four months and whether you experienced any allergies or side effects.
– Tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including any muscle or nerve conditions such as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Tell your doctor if you have had any swallowing or breathing problems in the past.
– Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your face or plan to do so. Your doctor should also be told if you have weakness in your forehead muscles, have trouble raising your eyebrows, or have drooping eyelids.
– Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are nursing or plan to nurse.
ABOUT THE TREATMENT
How long does the treatment take?
Your doctor will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you. The actual injection process takes about 10 minutes.
How many injections will I receive?
– For the crow’s feet area, your doctor will inject 3 areas of the orbicularis oculi, the muscle that surrounds the side of the eye. There will be 3 injections per eye.
– For the frown lines area, your doctor will administer 5 injections into 2 muscles in your forehead – 1 in the procerus muscle and 4 in the corrugator muscles.
After your treatment, you can resume your day. There is minimal downtime and your doctor may give you specific aftercare instructions.
