Botox® Injections

What is Botox® Cosmetic?

Botox® has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years to treat various medical conditions. It is approved in more than 75 countries and remains the most-studied botulinum toxin and one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. In 2002, the exact formulation – under the label Botox® Cosmetic – was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65.

What causes frown lines between the brows?

The lines between your brows result from muscle movement and the passage of time. When powerful muscles between the brows contract, they draw the brows together, causing the skin to fold or furrow. As skin becomes less elastic with age, those folds or furrows result in stubborn lines.

How does Botox® treatment work?

During treatment, very low doses of Botox® are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles responsible for frown lines between the brows. By blocking the release of a chemical that causes these muscles to contract, Botox® enables them to relax. The effects are very localized and, when administered by an experienced physician, do not affect your ability to smile, laugh, or otherwise show expression. Botox® is the only product of its kind that has been approved for use in this area.

What are the common side effects of Botox® injections?

The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

What is the treatment like?

Botox® is a quick and minimally invasive procedure with a few tiny injections. Your nurse will determine where to administer these injections to achieve your best results. No anesthesia is required, though he or she may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream before injecting. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, and there is no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief.

Will I still be able to make facial expressions? Although you may see a marked improvement, treatment with Botox® Cosmetic does not make you look like you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

How soon will I see a difference?

You can expect to see results within days after your treatment, and the appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week.

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