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What is Botox®?
Botox® is a muscle relaxing agent that reduces wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing muscle. The most common area of treatment is frown lines of the brow and forehead.
How does the treatment work?
Botox® temporarily reduces the contractions of the muscles that cause wrinkles. By relaxing the muscles, the overlying skin becomes smoother. A physician administers several tiny Botox® injections directly into the muscles that cause these lines and wrinkles.
Is Botox® safe?
Botox® is safe and has very few side effects. Rare side effects include headache, flu-like symptoms, dizziness and temporary eyelid droop. There may be some bruising of the skin at the site of the injection, particularly in those individuals using blood thinners, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
Will there be any downtime?
You may resume normal activities immediately. Vigorous exercise, the use of sun lamps or sauna or laying flat may be restricted for a few hours following treatment. Many clients undergo Botox® during their lunch break and return to work after treatment.
How long does a Botox® treatment last?
A Botox® treatment lasts only a short period of time and depends on how many areas are being injected and the size of the treated areas.
How does the treatment feel?
The only pain or discomfort is a slight pin-prick sensation from the small needle injecting the Botox®. If necessary, ice or a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment.
What are the benefits of Botox®?
Botox® has virtually no downtime as opposed to other wrinkle reducing methods. Also, following treatment there is little to no pain or discomfort. Results can be seen in a few days after only one session.
How long do results last?
Results of Botox® vary and can last up to four months. Generally, most people can expect three months of improvement. Treatments are offered every few months for maintenance.
Who are candidates for Botox®?
Candidates for Botox® injections are age eighteen to sixty-five and interested in improving the appearance of their face. Many candidates are seeking relief from brow furrows and wrinkles of the forehead and Crow's feet.
Who should avoid Botox®?
Individuals with a history on a neuromuscular disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Guillian-Barre Syndrome are not candidates for Botox®. You cannot receive Botox® if you have an infection where the Botox® will be injected, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox® or are pregnant. Some conditions may increase the chance of infection. A doctor will review your medical history before you receive Botox®.
What are the limitations of Botox®?
The limitation of Botox® is that it is not a permanent answer to reducing wrinkles. Also, results vary and occasional problems with asymmetry may occur.
What are the alternative treatments?
An alternative treatment to Botox® is skin resurfacing, which includes many types of laser therapies and chemical peels. These procedures can be painful and may have a much longer recovery time than Botox®. Other alternatives include surgery such as a brow lift.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Generally, after three to four months, the Botox® effects will begin to fade and facial features will gradually return to their former state. Maintenance treatments are necessary to keep the effect of Botox® for long periods of time.
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