Botox Cosmetic

WHAT IS BOTOX®?

Botox® is a purified toxin approved by the FDA in the late 1980s (Food and Drug Administration) for use to treat certain optic muscle disorders. When using Botox® for this purpose, some doctors noticed a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes as well. Allergan used this information to begin clinical trials for the use of Botox® for the cosmetic reduction of wrinkles. In April 2002, Botox® gained FDA approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows - called glabellar lines. Botox is also used for treatment of wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. Physicians have now been using Botox® for over a decade to successfully treat severe lines around and above the eyes and it is currently one of the most common cosmetic procedure performed.

HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?

Botox® contains a chemical that inhibits signals from the nerves to the muscles. Wrinkles occur in the skin when overactive underlying muscles tighten, especially when facial expression are repeated often and over time. To treat these wrinkles, small amounts of Botox® are injected with a fine needle into overactive muscles of the brow and around the eyes. The procedure is virtually painless, takes only a few minutes, and you can go right back to your normal activity. Over the next several days, the Botox® will begin to work by reducing the effectiveness of the nerve signals to the muscle which cause the muscle to react. The injected muscles will then begin to weaken in their contraction and the wrinkles will begin to relax and soften. Botox® is effective on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX® LAST?

The effects of Botox® will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, wrinkles will begin to reappear. It is normally recommended that you schedule treatments approximately 4 months apart to maximize the benefits of the Botox® treatments and prevent reoccurrence of undesired wrinkles.

BOTOX® COUNTERINDICATIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

You should not be treated with Botox® if you are pregnant, if you think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. As with any injection, Botox may result in bruising. You should avoid aspirin containing products and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior to treatment in order to reduce bruising. Infrequently, patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves itself within days up to four months.

THE COST OF BOTOX®

Botox® is usually sold by the unit or by the area. Botox® is usually sold for between $10-$12 per unit with the total cost of the procedure ranging between $125 to $600.