BOTOX® Injections

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is an injectable medication that is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles.  BOTOX® has been safely used for years to dramatically minimize horizontal forehead lines, frown lines and crows feet around the eyes.  It has also been quite successful in treating wrinkles around the lips and neck bands.

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.

What is the procedure?

After a topical numbing medication takes its effects, the surgeon will inject the BOTOX® selectively into the overactive muscles that are causing your facial wrinkles.  The procedure is performed in the office and will take half an hour at most.  The maximum effect of BOTOX® is attained within a few days and the results usually last 4-6 months at which time a maintenance treatment is performed.

What about the recovery period?

Following injections, recovery is immediate.  You may apply make-up and return to work. A few patients experience mild bruising which improves within a few days.

Who should not have BOTOX®?

You should not have BOTOX® if any of the following conditions apply:

• myasthenia gravis
• neuromuscular disease
• allergy to human albumin
• an allergy to botulinum toxin
• pregnant or breast feeding
• have taken aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, or blood thinner in the last 2 weeks

What are possible side effects of BOTOX®?

Although side effects are rare and there are no known long term problems with BOTOX®. A patient could experience any of the following:

• mild bruising
• temporary nausea or headache (some patients have reported temporary disappearance of tension headaches and migraines)
• temporary drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid

Facial rejuvenation is very individualized. That's why it's important to discuss your hopes and expectations with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with many different types of surgical and non-surgical facial procedures.

In your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your face - the skin, the muscles and the underlying bone - and discuss your goals for the surgery. Your doctor will help you select a treatment option based on your goals and concerns, your anatomy and your lifestyle.

Your surgeon will ask you about your medical history, drug allergies, and check for conditions that could cause problems, such as active skin infections or non-healed sores from injuries. Collagen injections are generally off limits for pregnant women, individuals who are allergic to beef or bovine products, patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases, and those who are allergic to lidocaine (the anesthetic agent contained in the syringe with the collagen material). For more specific information about the contraindications and risks of collagen use, ask your doctor for the manufacturer's brochure for patients.