Dynamic wrinkle reduction with BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments available today. BOTOX® injections are used to correct wrinkles on the face and neck, as well as lift sagging eyebrows in millions of patients each year.
BOTOX® Indications BOTOX® Cosmetic is FDA-approved to temporarily correct horizontal forehead creases and frown lines (also known as 11's) in men and women aged 18 to 65 years. It is sometimes used off-label to temporarily correct:
• Crow's feet, or eye wrinkles
• Bunny lines, or nose wrinkles
• Platysmal bands, or neck bands
• Smoker's lines, or mouth wrinkles
BOTOX® Treatment Like Dysport, BOTOX® targets dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that appear after muscle movement. These wrinkles typically fade when muscle movement (a smile or frown) stops, but over time the dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles that are permanently visible. To reduce dynamic wrinkles and slow the rate at which static wrinkles develop, A derivative of Botulinum toxin, Botox® Cosmetic, works by weakening the muscles of facial expression. Once the resting tone of the treated muscles is weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and the overlying skin flattens. By physiologically weakening the muscles, wrinkles are lessened naturally. The effects wear off after about three to six months, and repeat injections are necessary to maintain results. Complications are rare and usually temporary but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). BOTOX® injections are quick and relatively painless, so anesthesia is typically not necessary. It’s method of action is different than the other local treatments for the aging face which work by filling in the wrinkles or depressions These fillers are frequently not as effective as BOTOX® Cosmetic in removing wrinkles in the upper third of the face BOTOX® injections are often combined with these injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane to provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Botox Recovery There is no downtime after BOTOX®. Slight redness or swelling may be present for a few hours after treatment. If bruising occurs, it may take a couple of weeks to fully resolve. Avoiding NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, et al., or some herbal supplements such as Ginco biloba can help prevent bruising. If bruising is an issue, Arnica is a homeopathic remedy with often helps with this treatment. Do not touch or rub the treated area, lie flat on your back, bend at the waist or participate in vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day after your treatment to avoid other unwanted migration of the Botox. Following post-procedure instructions and having BOTOX® administered by an experienced injector will help you avoid side effects in general. Initial BOTOX® results are usually apparent within 5 days, but in some cases it takes as long as two weeks to see the full effects of your BOTOX® treatment. Would you like to learn more about BOTOX®?
Contact Adams Plastic Surgery for more info or to schedule an appointment 505.327.1754.