Botox® Cosmetic

Botox® Cosmetic is an FDA approved injectable medication that has been safely and successfully used for many years in the treatment of muscle spasms of the neck, strabismus (crossed eyes), blepharospasm (eye twitching) and vocal cord spasm. In April of 2002, the FDA approved Botox® cosmetic as an injectable medication to temporarily reduce wrinkle patterns in the forehead area (glabellum).

Botox® cosmetic effectively relaxes muscles under the skin that are responsible for creating wrinkles. This treatment is different then most other treatments used for the cosmetic improvement of facial wrinkles because it works on the wrinkle source. Reducing the muscle activity by relaxing the muscle reduces the tension on the overlying skin allowing the skin to relax and maintain a smooth appearance, as well as, preventing the progression of the wrinkling process.

The Botox® cosmetic treatment involves the injection of a small amount of diluted Botox®, a cosmetic (protein), into the muscle via a tiny needle. A slight bruising may occur at the injection site, although this is rare.

Usually, it takes 3-5 days to notice any difference and then over the next 6 to 12 days muscle activity will diminish. This results in the inability of the muscles to contract, and a gradual smoothing or softening of the overlying skin. Occasionally, it may take two to three treatment sessions (3 to 4 months apart) to adjust the dosage to achieve the best possible results. Individual results may vary.

The effects of Botox® cosmetic lasts approximately 3 to 4 months at which time an additional treatment will be necessary to maintain improvement. It should be understood that if the wrinkles are significant the result of the treatment may not be as dramatic. Complete and permanent elimination of wrinkles is not possible with this treatment. Many options are available to improve wrinkle appearance.

Patients may return to their normal daily activities immediately. Contact sports activities should be avoided and THE TREATED AREA SHOULD NOT BE MASSAGED for the first 12 hours. The area should be exercised (by squinting a few times) the treated muscles every 15 minutes for about an hour after treatment.