What is BOTOX® Cosmetic used for?

BOTOX® Cosmetic diminishes or eliminates so-called dynamic wrinkles in the face. BOTOX® Cosmetic acts by paralyzing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the muscle and prevents the muscle from contracting by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. Because the muscle cannot contract, the wrinkle relaxes.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is mainly used to treat dynamic wrinkles in the upper third of the face. However, many physicians use it to cosmetically treat other areas of the face and neck. Moreover, BOTOX® Cosmetic has also been used to treat migraine headaches and even excessive underarm sweating.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is not as effective on so-called static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are better treated surgically or with dermal fillers.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

The BOTOX® Cosmetic is a highly purified muscle toxin, isolated from a certain strain of bacteria. The toxin blocks the chemical signal between the muscle and the nerve, leading to temporary paralysis of the muscle. The paralysis occurs over 1 to 5 days and peaks in two to four weeks. Results last from three to six months. The effect gradually wears off, allowing the dynamic wrinkle to return.

What do BOTOX® Cosmetic injections feel like?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscle that underlies the dynamic wrinkle. A very small needle is used to minimize discomfort. The injection feels like a small prick with a little stinging. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes. In some cases, ice or topical anesthesia is used to reduce the pain of injection.

What will my skin feel like after the botox injections?

Usually, there is no pain, once the injection is over. Occasionally, people have headaches after the injection as well as some redness or swelling of the area injected.

How many botox treatments will I need?

Usually, one treatment is all that is needed, and the effect lasts for 3-6 months.

How long before I can return to my usual activities?

Since the procedure is non-surgical, no recovery time is needed; patients can return to work or other activities immediately.

How long do the results last?

The effects usually last 3-6 months.

What are the risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?

The most common side effects are headache, respiratory infection, flu-like syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.

Less frequently occurring (<3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, injection site redness, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can’t be used if there is an infection at the proposed injection site(s) or in individuals with known hypersensitivity (allergy) to any ingredient in the formulation (i.e. the milk protein Casein).

Patients with neuromuscular disorders like Myasthenia Gravis and Eaton Lambert Syndrome may be at increased risk of clinically significant systemic effects from typical doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

How much do BOTOX® Cosmetic injections cost?

Injections can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the number of areas that are injected. To maintain the effect, injections need to be repeated, at additional cost.

For more information on the Botox treatment, contact the Medical Laser & Skin Rejuvenation Center at (732) 485-0840