About Botox

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is used to soften or temporarily eliminate dynamic wrinkles that are caused by contraction of facial muscles. This will help prevent wrinkles from “setting in” permanently. By eliminating “worry lines”, “frown lines” and “crow’s feet” one will appear rejuvenated and less angry. Botox may also be used to treat “smokers’ lines” as well as lines and bands in the neck.

Botox is injected into these areas using a tiny needle. No anesthetic is required. The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes. The effects are usually not noticed for 3 to 4 days and may last 3 to 4 months.

Botox FAQ

What creates a wrinkle?

Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. These "expression lines", often called frown lines or crow's feet, are due to the contraction of a muscle under the skin in that area. We have known for years that surgically cutting that muscle will improve that wrinkle.

What are Botox Cosmetic Injections?

Botox Cosmetic Injections are purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium bacteria. Although Botox Cosmetic Injections are a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.

How are Botox Cosmetic Injections used?

A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.

Do Botox Cosmetic Injections hurt?

When Botox is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

Where can Botox be injected?

The most common areas for the use of Botox Cosmetic Injections are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well.

Does Botox affect other facial expressions or create numbness?

Botox Cosmetic Injections doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the Botox Cosmetic Injections is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.

How long does Botox treatment last?

The effects of Botox Cosmetic Injections usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of Botox Cosmetic Injections may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.

How safe is Botox?

Botox Cosmetic Injections have been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection.

Is the treatment for everyone?

There are very few restrictions regarding Botox Cosmetic Injections treatments. Patients who are pregnant or have a neurological disease should not be treated.