Many wrinkles originate from creases in the skin that are caused by making the same expression over and over. These “frown lines,” “crow’s feet,” and “smile lines” result from the contraction of muscles under the skin. BOTOX® Cosmetic (commonly referred to as simply, "BOTOX") improves these wrinkles by blocking the electrical impulse from reaching the area. As a result, the muscle becomes less active, the skin over the muscle relaxes, and the wrinkle gradually softens and disappears.
BOTOX injections are used to improve wrinkles between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes. On occasion, other areas may also be treated with BOTOX.
During the BOTOX treatment, a small amount of BOTOX is injected into the facial muscle with a tiny needle. A topical numbing agent is used to anesthetize the area being treated. In some cases, our patients also used nitrous (similar to a dental procedure) during the injections. The relaxing effects on the muscle become more pronounced over the next few days and usually last three to six months.
BOTOX has been used safely for wrinkle therapy for over 20 years. The small amounts used for cosmetic purposes result in few side effects. Therefore, there are few restrictions regarding BOTOX treatments. Women who are pregnant and people who have a neurological disease, however, should not be treated.
BOTOX does not directly affect sensory facial nerves so there should be no numbness in the injected area. “Untreated” muscles are unaffected so facial expressions are not dramatically altered.