 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® Cosmetic are administered via a
few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn
lines.
The treatment is usually 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. Results may vary.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time
as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly
into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission
of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity
of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe
frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month,
and results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of
men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better
1 month after treatment. Results may vary.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic 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.
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.
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
(<3%)
adverse 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® Cosmetic 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® Cosmetic is quite
affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's
2003 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic
procedures in the United States. 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.
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