Botox® (Botulinum Toxin A) is a procedure used for treatment of facial lines and wrinkles. It has been used for other medical conditions for more than decade and is a safe and effective way of treating aging skin. It is used to eliminate or reduce worry and frown lines, crow's feet, laugh lines and or wrinkles. The procedure works by physiologically weakening the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to expression lines. The contraction of those muscles is responsible for wrinkles. Botox® works by blocking the impulse from the nerve to the facial muscles therefore relaxing them. This procedure will smooth the appearance of wrinkles and the benefits may last from three to six months. The pain associated with the procedure is minimal. The needle is extremely small and only a tiny amount is injected at one time. It is recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages, anti-inflammatory medications, vitamin E and aspirin one week prior to and one week after the treatment. It is possible to experience a mild headache following the procedure. The practitioner may suggest acetaminophen if this should occur. It is also recommended that the patient not lie down for 3-4 hours following treatment. Some facial exercises may be recommended, the treatment may take 3-10 days to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox®?

Botox® is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although Botox® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.

How is Botox® Used?

A few drops of Botox® are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When Botox® is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles gradually soften and often disappear.

Is the Injection Painful?

When Botox® is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. When the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

Where can Botox® be injected?

The most common areas for the use of Botox® are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, other areas may be treated as well.