BOTOX® Cosmetic
Description
Botox® is a facial injectable used to reduce and eliminate wrinkles in the face. Botox® combats wrinkles that are created when nerve cells within the muscles beneath the skin release a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical triggers a muscle contraction that creates wrinkles. Botox® (medically known as Botulinum) disrupts the release of acetylcholine, which essentially paralyzes the muscle and stops the contraction. Botox® typically reduces wrinkles by about 80% and is the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States.
Procedure Length
Botox® injections are performed in the doctor's office. A numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area and patients may experience some minimal discomfort from the needle injection. Depending on the extent of treatment, the procedure can take a few minutes up to 20 minutes. Generally, patients return home shortly after the treatment is complete.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Botox® include headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea and redness/pain at the injection points.
Recovery
Recovery from Botox® injections is usually immediate. You may want to stay out of the sun and use sun screen. Be sure to consult your doctor about proper recovery.
Risks
Infrequently, patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves itself within days, or in rare cases, months after the procedure.
Results
The effects of Botox® injections will appear within 7 days, and may last up to 4-6 months.
Patient Status
Usually takes place in doctor’s office. Outpatient.
Anesthesia
None.