How
BOTOX® Cosmetic Works
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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. |
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| 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. |
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. |
Who
should administer BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic,
but dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists
(ear, nose, and throat doctors), or other physicians specializing in cosmetic
procedures are generally more experienced. One of these physicians can
help you decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. |
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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® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at
the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity
to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders
such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome 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
(<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. |
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. |
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