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Questions regarding Botox Cosmetic™
What is Botox Cosmetic™ ?
There are certain muscles in the face often referred to as “expression lines” or “dynamic wrinkles”
that we don’t want to strengthen. The contraction of these facial muscles may result in creases
between the eyebrows, over the forehead, around the eyes, mouth and in neck folds. Now, thanks
to a new use for an FDA approved drug called Botox Cosmetic™, dynamic lines can be dramatically
softened. Botox Cosmetic™, an Allergan Inc. product, has been used safely for over 14 years. It
has a wide range of therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Botox Cosmetic™ can help control your
facial expressions so that you don’t look angry or worried when you are not. The treatments can
help prevent the unintended display of negative feelings and in this way assist some people in
expressing themselves more accurately.
How does Botox Cosmetic™ work?
Botox Cosmetic™ is a highly purified naturally occurring protein derived from the Clostriduim
Botulinuim bacteria. Botox Cosmetic™ blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny muscles that
are related to expression lines. Botox Cosmetic™ relaxes the muscles so they do not contract.
After the treatment the overlying skin remains smooth and free of the dynamic wrinkles while the
untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing desirable facial expression to be
unaffected. This relaxation lasts for a number of months, and then the treated muscles gradually
return to their original condition. Botox Cosmetic™ does not affect the nerves responsible for
sensation, so there is no numbness in the treated area. You can stop Botox Cosmetic™ treatments
at any time and be confident that you will gradually return to your pre-treatment appearance. The
effects of the treatment may begin as early as 2-3 days with the full effect expected within 14 days.
The desired result generally lasts 3 to 5 months, at which time another injection is required.
Typically there is an excellent response in 90% - 100% of those receiving Botox Cosmetic™ with
80%-100% muscle relaxation. After several treatments, the effects of Botox Cosmetic™ may begin
to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.
Are Botox Cosmetic ™ treatments safe?
Each year thousands of patients receive Botox Cosmetic™ treatments for a variety of conditions
and it is considered the most commonly performed procedure in North America today. It has been
used safely and effectively for over 14 years with few reported side effects. There have been no
long-term side effects, allergic reactions or health hazards related to Botox Cosmetic™ use thus
far.
What is the treatment like?
A tiny amount of Botox Cosmetic™ is injected, very precisely into the muscles being treated. The
treatments are not considered painful and the use of topical anaesthesia is usually not necessary. With
such small amounts of solution used for wrinkle therapy, the most common side effects are temporary
and localized to the area of injection. Normal activities can be resumed immediately following the
injection.
What is expected after the treatment?
After Botox Cosmetic™ treatment it is not uncommon to experience some minor discomfort, swelling,
redness or bruising at the injection site. Tylenol or ice packs may be used to reduce swelling and relieve
discomfort. ASA (Aspirin) should be avoided as it may increase the chance of bruising in the treated
area. A very small percentage of patients (approximately 1%) may temporarily develop the following; a
headache in the post treatment phase lasting just a few days, ptosis i.e. temporary drooping of the eyelid,
lasting from 2-4 weeks or asymmetry of facial expression. The side effects from the Botox Cosmetic™
treatments are considered to be completely reversible and usually resolve within a few weeks.
Instructions for patients following injections:
- Refrain from touching the treated area for 3-4 hours after injection to avoid spreading the Botox
Cosmetic™ into non-targeted muscles.
- Remain upright for 3-4 hours after the injection to ensure the placement of the Botox Cosmetic™ is not
altered by gravity.
How are tissue fillers different from Botox Cosmetic ™?
Botox Cosmetic™ temporarily blocks the transmission of signals between nerves and therefore inhibits muscles from contracting, smoothing lines and wrinkles caused by reported facial movements. In contrast, tissue fillers are injected underneath a wrinkle, fold, scar or depression in order to ‘fill’ it in, smoothing the surface of the skin. The combination of Botox Cosmetic™ and tissue fillers can result in a very satisfying overall facial rejuvenated appearance. |
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