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.
