BOTOX® Cosmetic
is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that
can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the
brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment
of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days
there's a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between
the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium
botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles
that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.
- In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated
the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their
brows as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results
vary.
- Results can last for up to 4 months, and may vary.
- BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used to treat a million people
in the United States since it was approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary treatment of
moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages
18 to 65.
- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked
BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular of all physician-administered
cosmetic procedures (surgical and nonsurgical combined) in 2002
and 2003.
BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth moderate to severe frown lines between
your brows for up to 4 months. Of course, we know that seeing is
believing. So, take a look at men and women who have had BOTOX®
Cosmetic treatments, and see for yourself! Results may vary.
No matter how well
skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial
wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available
to remove the lines that accompany aging. Botox is perhaps the
easiest of all these options. Botox is an extremely quick approach
to soften or remove the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown
lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet),
or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).
What
is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific
form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck
and facial spasms, but in the last decade it has been used effectively
to remove facial wrinkles.
How
Botox is used
Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) or on the
outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time,
these muscle contractions create virtual "creases" or
wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, Botox is injected
through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these
contractions. The Botox essentially impedes the nerve impulse
from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and
the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience
a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the Botox
injected, but this only lasts approximately 5-7 seconds. The entire
treatment is performed in the physician's office and lasts 10
to 15 minutes.
Once
the Botox Treatment is complete
In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal routines
the same day. The muscles relax within a few days of the Botox
injection, causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely.
The muscles remain in a relaxed state for 3 to 5 months. Further
treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several
treatments, the length of time that Botox is effective can increase,
sometimes lasting up to 8 months.
Health
Concerns
Botox has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of
years and exhibits very few side effects. Although it causes a
temporary paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve,
so no numbness in the face occurs. Immediately after the treatment,
Botox can spread slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping
of surrounding muscles. As such, patients should avoid rubbing
the treated area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping
does occur, the surrounding muscles typically return to normal
within a couple of weeks. In very rare instances, a blood vessel
may burst, causing a temporary black and blue area. Patients who
are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a neurological disease
should refrain from having this procedure performed.
