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What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium
botulinum bacterium. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered
treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between
the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic
are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause
those stubborn lines. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no
recovery time is needed. Within days, you may see an improvement that can last
up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the
result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly
into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of
nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the
muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic
treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown
lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and
results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and
women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month
after treatment. Results may vary.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can last for up to 4
months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows
gradually will look like they did before treatment.
Who should administer BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic,
but dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists (ear,
nose, and throat doctors), or other physicians specializing in cosmetic
procedures are generally more experienced. One of these physicians can help you
decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your
physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic
cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people
are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Who should not use BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection
at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known
hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with
neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and
nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or
bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular
disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased
risk of serious side effects.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic
will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you
"had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows
is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the
wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows
if I choose not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between
your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® Cosmetic
is quite affordable. According to an American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the low-entry-cost
facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other
appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth
whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your
expectations. Consult your doctor for further information. |