BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults. BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet—the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. Your provider will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines, with results lasting up to 4 months

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles.

Applications For BOTOX® Cosmetic

Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX® Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines.

According to Allergan, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been “extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies.”

BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure And Results

Using a very fine needle, BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream.

Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.

Side Effects Of BOTOX® Cosmetic

Injection-site side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:

• Pain
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Bleeding
• Bruising

Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.