BOTOX Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic
WHAT IS BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a new concept
in treating facial wrinkles in the forehead,
between the eyes, and in the “crows feet” areas
(upper third of the face). Botulinum
toxin, or BOTOX® Cosmetic works by weakening the
muscles of facial expressions. Once the
resting tone of the treated muscles is
weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes
and the overlying skin flattens. This
approach is different than the other
local treatments for the aging face.
Silicone, Collagen, Autologous Fat Transfer,
Alloderm, Softform, etc., all work by
filling in wrinkles or depressions. These
fillers are frequently not as effective
as BOTOX® Cosmetic in treating wrinkles in the
upper third of the face. By physiologically
weakening the muscles, wrinkles are lessened
naturally.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Injection of
this material into the small muscles
between the brows, in the forehead and
at the corners of the eyes causes those
specific muscles to halt their function
(be paralyzed), thereby improving the appearance
of the wrinkles. This paralysis is temporary
and re-injection is necessary within three
to ten months. Options for alternative
treatments include injection of either
collagen or free fat, or the surgical
excision of the muscles, usually through
a brow lift.
HOW IS IT USED?
Using
a very tiny needle, small amounts of
BOTOX® Cosmetic are injected into the muscles
to be paralyzed. Depending on the areas
being treated, 5-15 needle pricks (or
more) may be required. Discomfort is
minimal and lasts only a few seconds.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Occasionally, the needle
may puncture a small blood vessel during
the injection and a black and blue area
may develop. Such an area can last 5-10
days and may require make-up to cover.
If any of the Botulinum toxin reaches
a facial muscle not being treated, partial
weakness of that muscle may last for
several months. (For this reason, you
are requested not to massage the injected
areas for 12 hours following the injection.)
If an untreated area experiences muscle
weakness, the only “treatment” is
to wait for the effect of the toxin
to wear off in several months.
There
are no recognized permanent side
effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Complications are rare
but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle,
resulting in its temporary loss of
function (e.g., a drooping eyelid).
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely in the treatment
of muscular facial spasms for approximately
15 years.
BOTOX® Cosmetic IN COMBINATION WITH FACIAL SURGERY:
BOTOX® Cosmetic injected in conjunction with nearby
facial surgery has caused unwanted facial
weakness in at least one patient. For
this reason, we will inject BOTOX® Cosmetic only
as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.
NOTE: The specific risks and suitability
of this procedure for a given individual
can be determined only at the time of
consultation. All surgical procedures
have some degree of risk. Minor complications
that do not affect the outcome occur
occasionally. Major complications are
rare.
|
