How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX
® Cosmetic acts by producing muscle relaxation at treated
sites. It does this by inhibiting contraction of the targeted muscles,
causing them to relax. The strategic relaxation of certain facial muscles
leads to decreased wrinkling of the overlying skin.
What kind of facial lines
does it remove?
Prominent facial expression lines, especially
horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines between the eye brows, and
crow's feet are most dramatically improved with treatment.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic compare to other products such as
collagen and filler materials?
Unlike filler materials,
BOTOX
®> Cosmetic treats the underlying cause of the facial
expression lines. Filler materials, such as collagen, only plump up the
skin. Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines when there is no
facial expression, the moment the person does smile or frown, the lines
reappear. BOTOX
® Cosmetic actually prevents the unwanted lines from
appearing with facial expression, and often even at rest.
How is treatment performed and how many treatments are
required?
A small quantity of solution is injected directly
into the muscles that are the cause of the prominent furrowing or
expression lines. Typically several injections are given with each
treatment, and one or two treatments are usually effective in achieving the
muscle relaxation required to eliminate the unwanted expression
lines.
How long do the results of BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
The muscle relaxation with
BOTOX
® Cosmetic lasts for 3 to 6 months. When the effect of
BOTOX
® Cosmetic wears off or diminishes, (i.e., the muscles that
contribute to these facial expression lines again become active and the
lines gradually reappear) treatment can again be administered.
How does the skin appear after BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Immediately after treatment the skin appears
normal or there may be minimal redness and swelling at the treated sites.
Occasionally, there can be mild bruising. If present, these changes resolve
within a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual
sensation.
When can I expect to see results after
treatment?
Within 48 hours after treatment reduction in
the muscle activity can be noticed. About one week after treatment the
maximal benefit is attained and continues for a few months.
Are there any limitations after treatment?
No. Immediately after treatment you may resume
all normal activities.
Is there any discomfort with treatment?
There is usually mild discomfort at the
injection sites. This only lasts for a few seconds. Many patients
choose to use a numbing cream on the skin prior to the injections,
however, this is only seldom needed.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Rarely. If BOTOX® Cosmetic should affect an adjacent muscle, it too may
have reduced activity. This has been reported in about one percent of
those treated and if this does develop, the most common change is some
eyelid drooping. However, any such unwanted muscle relaxation would
also be temporary. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered to the muscles of the
forehead.
Can BOTOX® Cosmetic cause botulism?
No. Extraordinarily small amounts of
BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered. These quantities are
insufficient to cause botulism or any related symptoms.
How much does it
cost?
Prices vary for each patient
depending on the type of procedure, area of the body to be treated, and the
number of treatments needed. We strive to offer the
LOWEST PRICES for all cosmetic procedures as
compared to other clinics in the Los Angeles area. Our affordable
prices and financing plans assure that nearly everyone can have the new
look they have always wanted. Come in today for your free
consultation and you will be amazed as to how affordable we truly
are.
BOTOX
® is a registered trademark of Allergan,
Inc.
