BOTOX®: Non-Surgical Treatment for Facial Wrinkles
Forehead frown lines and “crows feet” wrinkles around the eyes are due, in large part, to overactivity of facial muscles. Many people smile, frown, squint, or raise their eyebrows while they are talking or concentrating, often without realizing they are over-activating their facial muscles. The constant use of the muscles of facial expression can lead to deep creases and wrinkles. By allowing these over-used muscles to rest, BOTOX® treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate these creases and wrinkles.
What is BOTOX® and how is it used?
BOTOX® is a highly purified solution of a motor nerve blocking agent. It is approved by the FDA and has been used for nearly 30 years for treatment of patients who suffer from spasm of the upper eyelid muscles. The purpose of BOTOX® treatment is to relax the facial muscles causing the wrinkling between the eyebrows, upper nose, and around the eyes. By carefully injecting minute amounts of BOTOX® directly into the overacting facial muscles, a temporary relaxation of the muscle and a reduction of facial wrinkles is achieved.
BOTOX® treatment does not require anesthesia; however, an anesthetic cream or cold compress may be used to numb the area before injection. There is very little discomfort from the fine needle stick and only occasional temporary redness and discoloration which are easily covered with makeup.
Is BOTOX® the best treatment for you?
A complete facial analasys will determine which patients and what areas may benefit from BOTOX® treatment. Since BOTOX® can only treat wrinkles caused by muscle contraction, lines and wrinkles caused by loose excess skin may require other treatments. Excess skin around the eyes may require blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) to reverse the signs of aging.
What results can be expected from BOTOX®?
BOTOX® treatments only take a few minutes and normal activity can be resumed immediately. Results take 2-7 days to take effect and usually last for 3 to 6 months. During this time muscle activity will gradually return and additional treatments may be needed to maintain the effect. For some patients, after two or three treatments prolonged muscle relaxation may result so treatments can last up to a year.
Patient Instructions after BOTOX® Treatement
Although BOTOX® has a long history of clinical use and an excellent safety record, there are certain simple precautions that should be taken after treatment.
First, do not massage or manipulate the treatment area for 3 to 4 hours. This will keep BOTOX® in the desired location.
Second, you should remain upright for 3 to 4 hours and avoid lying down. This will prevent BOTOX® from moving into other facial muscles.
Third, try to use the affected muscles as much as possible for 3 to 4 hours, by frowning and squinting. This will help the BOTOX® reach the nerve connections and speed up its effect.
Occasionally there may be slight swelling or bruising in the treated areas. This can be covered with makeup. However, if you notice significant swelling or soreness then please call the office. Usually ice packs and Tylenol® are the only treatments necessary after BOTOX®.
If you are interested in reducing facial lines and wrinkles, call our office to set up a consultation with one of our doctors to see if BOTOX® treatment is right for you.
For more information on BOTOX®, please visit (insert link below) http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/home.aspx
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