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| Skin Care Education > BOTOX® |
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What is BOTOX®?
How does BOTOX® work?
When will I see results from a BOTOX® treatment?
How long does BOTOX® last?
Who should administer BOTOX®?
Is treatment with BOTOX® painful?
Who should not use BOTOX®?
Will I experience any side effects?
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose
not to continue treatments?
Is BOTOX® affordable?
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium.
BOTOX® was originally used by opthamologists to treat twitching of the eyelid. It
has been proven to be a safe, reliable, and effective treatment for reducing
wrinkles since 1982. It is a non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that
can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. During
treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® are administered via a few tiny injections
directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is
usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days,
you may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How does BOTOX® work?
When you frown, smile, squint, or use any other common facial expression, your
muscles contract under your skin. When you do it over and over, the result can
be wrinkles. BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscles. It works by blocking
the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the
activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form. In some
cases, with repeated treatments, the wrinkle can actually disappear. The effects
of BOTOX® are confined to the treatment sites: It does not travel through your
body.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown
lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and
results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and
women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month
after treatment. Results may vary.
How long does BOTOX® last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® can last for up to 4 months. If you
discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look
like they did before treatment.
Who should administer BOTOX®?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX®, but dermatologists,
plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat
doctors), or other physicians specializing in cosmetic procedures are generally
more experienced. One of these physicians can help you decide if BOTOX® is right
for you.
Is treatment with BOTOX® painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician
may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire
procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or
normal activity following BOTOX® treatment.
Who should not use BOTOX®?
BOTOX® should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection
site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the
formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis
or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu
syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring (<3%)
adverse reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and
muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection
and occurred within the first week. For more details, see the full Prescribing
Information.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® will not radically
change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The
muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so
you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between
your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose
not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between
your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
Is BOTOX® affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® is quite affordable.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey,
BOTOX® is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United
States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and
cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to
your expectations. Consult your doctor for further information.
BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.
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