Botox is capable of preventing unwanted facial expression lines and improving or blending the wrinkles that were visible while the muscles are at rest. Wrinkles and facial expression lines are caused by the contracting muscle under the skin’s surface. After years of this repetitive action, furrows may develop along these facial expression lines even without any active expression. Botox® is a FDA approved purified protein naturally derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum Type A. It has been used for more than 20 years to reduce unwanted muscle activity, and is considered safe and effective. Initially introduced for treatment of ophthalmologic and neurologic muscular diseases, it is now also used for the cosmetic reduction of facial expression lines.How does Botox® work? Botox® acts by immobilizing the muscle at treated sites. It does this by inhibiting contraction of the targeted muscles. Only those muscles producing these undesirable lines are treated.

What areas can you use Botox® for?
Frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles are effectively treated with Botox®. The treatment takes a few minutes and the full effect of the treatment is visible within 10-14 days after initial injection.

What kinds of facial lines does it remove?
Prominent facial expression lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet are most dramatically improved with treatment.

Does the Botox® Injection hurt?
When Botox® is injected; there is a minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort. Most patients report mild discomfort that subsides within minutes.

How does Botox® compare to other products such as collagen and filler materials?
Botox® works much differently than dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. Botox® prevents muscle contraction allowing your skin to remain smooth and wrinkle free. Dermal fillers actually fill in the lines that cannot be removed by Botox®.

How many treatments are required?
Typically, each treatment is effective for 3-6 months. Each patient metabolizes Botox at different rates so results from treatment vary from one patient to another.

When can I expect to see results after treatment?
Within 48 hours after treatment, reduction in the muscle activity may be noticed; however, it usually takes about 10-14 days after treatment for maximal benefit to be obtained.

Are there any limitations after treatment?
Yes. Refrain from touching the area of treatment for at least 1 hour. By pushing on the area that was treated you may cause a negative effect. Immediately after treatment you may resume all normal activities.

Are there any risks or side effects?
Side effects are rare. If Botox® should affect an adjacent muscle; it too may have reduced activity. It has been reported in about one percent of those treated. The most common change is eyelid drooping. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when Botox® is administered to the muscles of the forehead. Any such unwanted muscle relaxation would also be temporary.

Can Botox cause botulism?
No. Extraordinarily small amounts of Botox® are administered. These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or any related symptoms.