Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX®
Houston, Texas
What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is a non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause lines. The treatment is done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days you may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscles between your brows and works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause the lines.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months. Nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® can last for up to 4 months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.
Who should administer BOTOX® ?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX®, but dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or other physicians specializing in cosmetic procedures are generally more experienced. One of these physicians can help you decide if BOTOX® is right for you.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Who should not use BOTOX®?
BOTOX® should not be used in the presence of infection and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® is quite affordable and one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the U.S. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your doctor for further information.
