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Botox® Cosmetic (Facial Injection)
Botox® Cosmetic, or Botulinum Toxin, is a procedure utilizing
tiny needles to be injected into facial muscles causing
relaxation, resulting in a smooth and youthful appearance
of the face. Botox® Cosmetic is much different than typical skin
"fillers" in that it eliminates wrinkles by
using this relaxation technique instead of simply filling
in wrinkles. People can now eliminate forehead lines,
crow's feet and frown lines through this painless and
brief procedure.
With Botox® Cosmetic, wrinkles and frown lines that
you once thought would stay with you for the rest of
your life, can be eliminated and replaced with a youthful
vibrant look that improves your appearance and boosts
your self-confidence.
How is Botox® Cosmetic performed?
Botox® Cosmetic treatment is a very precise procedure that must
be done carefully to be successful. After you've decided
on the result you would like to achieve, your surgeon
will choose specific facial muscles that correspond
to the areas you would like to improve. After isolating
these muscles, your surgeon will use a tiny needle to
inject a very small amount of Botox® Cosmetic. When injected into
the facial muscles around your eyes and brow, Botox® Cosmetic
causes them to relax within 24 to 72 hours. By relaxing
these muscles, you are no longer able to tighten and
contract them in a manner that creates the wrinkles
associated with squinting and stressful concentration.
Botox® Cosmetic works by blocking nerve impulses to the facial
muscles, which prevents you from tightening the skin
around your eyes and brow. As a result, your skin slowly
flattens and smoothes itself over. Since the muscle
is no longer able to move, wrinkles will disappear.
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How long does a Botox® Cosmetic procedure take?
Depending on the number of injections needed, the treatment
may take 10 to 30 minutes.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Anesthesia is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing
agents may be used. Some patients prefer to apply a
mild analgesic cream 30 minutes before their treatment.
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Where is the procedure performed?
Botox® Cosmetic treatments can be performed in the doctor's office
or in a surgical suite.
When can I return home and
resume normal activities?
Treatment with Botox® Cosmetic is a very simple procedure, which
allows you to return home immediately after your procedure.
You should avoid exercise or other strenuous activities
for 24 hours after your treatment. However, after that
time you should be able to resume your normal activities.
Speak with your physician about what he or she specifically
recommends for you.
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How do I prepare for a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will
discuss the changes that you would like to make to your
appearance. Since the appearance of your face is a matter
of personal perception and preference, you will need
to discuss your concerns in detail so your surgeon can
determine the appropriate alternatives. Your surgeon
will perform a health history and complete facial examination
to determine which areas of your face may benefit from
Botox® Cosmetic. Botox® Cosmetic can only treat wrinkles caused by muscle
contractions; therefore, you may need facial chemical
peels or laser skin resurfacing to eliminate additional
facial lines and wrinkles. Your experience will be much
smoother if you remain compliant with your surgeon's
instructions.
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What precautions are necessary during recovery?
You should avoid lying down for four to five hours
after your procedure. Do not touch the area that was
treated for at least four hours. Doing so may cause
Botox® Cosmetic to spread to other nearby muscles. In addition,
your physician may recommend that you perform facial
exercises that he or she will describe to you.
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What are the possible complications after
a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?
Some patients experience slight, short-term bruising
at the injection site. Such bruising is usually minimal
and can be easily covered with make-up. On occasion,
the toxin can migrate to other muscles and cause weakness,
which is temporary. In approximately 1% of patients,
Botox® Cosmetic may cause an eyelid to slightly droop or cause
facial expressions to be slightly out of balance. However,
each of these side effects is short term, lasting only
a few weeks at the most. There have been no reports
of damage to the eye or any permanent side effects from
Botox® Cosmetic treatments. Discontinuing Botox® Cosmetic treatments will
reverse any side effect that may occur from the treatment.
It is always important to be informed about the possible
complications before any procedure. Be sure to discuss
any concerns you may have with your surgeon.
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What results can I expect after a Botox® Cosmetic
procedure?
You should begin to notice the results from your Botox® Cosmetic
treatment two to seven days after your procedure. The
results you achieve from your initial treatment should
last anywhere from three to six months. After this time,
you will need to return to your physician for more treatments.
However, research shows that after each Botox® Cosmetic treatment
the results tend to last a little longer. Eventually,
most patients require treatments only once or twice
a year to maintain their desired appearance.
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Choosing the right surgeon
To obtain further information regarding Botox® Cosmetic,
we advise you to consult with a qualified and experienced
board-certified plastic surgeon. Regardless of the type
of procedure you are considering, it is crucial to choose
the right surgeon for your individual goals. To receive
a complimentary consultation with a specialist in your
area, simply fill out our Online Referral
Form or call Toll Free 800.449.1884.
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