BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections

No matter how well skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. BOTOX® Cosmetic is perhaps the easiest of all these options. BOTOX® Cosmetic is an extremely quick approach to soften or remove the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade it has been used effectively to remove facial wrinkles.

How is BOTOX® used?

Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) or on the outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle contractions create virtual "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, BOTOX® is injected through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these contractions. The BOTOX® essentially impedes the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the Botox injected, but this only lasts approximately 5-7 seconds. The entire treatment is performed in the physician's office and lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Once the BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment is complete

In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal routines the same day. The muscles relax within a few days of the BOTOX® injection, causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely. The muscles remain in a relaxed state for 3 to 5 months. Further treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several treatments, the length of time that BOTOX® Cosmetic is effective can increase, sometimes lasting up to 8 months.

BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.