BOTOX Cosmetic

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly causes deep wrinkles and lines?

  Over the years, we use our facial muscles repeatedly as we show expression. So, the grooves, or “dynamic wrinkles,” appear from repeated muscle contractions, whether from smiling, frowning, laughing, squinting or crying. Genetics and family history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking and sunbathing also contribute to this normal age related process.

• What are Botox injections?

  Botulinum Toxin Type A, the formal scientific name for Botox, is a therapeutic neurotoxin used in wrinkle therapy. The injections are done using a tiny micro-needle and a very small amount of Botox toxin that is injected into the specific muscles that commonly cause frown lines and wrinkles.

• How do Botox injections work?

  The Botox causes the muscles to relax so that they no longer contract and cause lines and wrinkles to form. Botox also blocks nerve impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are directly related to expression lines. After treatment, the skin overlying the treated area becomes smooth and unwrinkled. The muscles that go untreated contract as usual and leave normal facial expressions unaffected.

• How is a Botox treatment done…is it painful?

  Discomfort is minimal. The injections are precise and use a very small amount of liquid in each specific location. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the treatment and resume normal activities immediately.

• Is Botox safe?

  Botox, which is FDA-approved, has been used as a safe and successful treatment by thousands of patients worldwide to treat ophthalmological and neurological disorders for more than 20 years. Blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye) have been effectively treated with Botox since 1980. Botox has been safely used to treat hyperfunctional facial lines since 1989.

• Are there any side effects?

  Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. In some cases (rare), the toxin can migrate and cause temporary weakness in nearby muscles. Since the effects of Botox treatments are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, usually lasting only a few weeks. Side effects may include temporary local bruising/swelling, redness and discomfort, which all go away in a short time.