Botox Cosmetic Treatment for Wrinkles on Face

Our emotions show on our faces. When we are happy, we smile. When we are perplexed or upset, we frown. And until recently, those emotions made an indelible and unwanted imprint on our facial skin that we call wrinkles. You can now enjoy a very effective prescription treatment for the lessening of those lines we all develop over time on our faces. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first FDA-approved prescription treatment of its kind that can dramatically reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, laugh lines and forehead wrinkles. A purified protein produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, BOTOX works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that we overuse in our everyday facial expressions. When those muscles are relaxed through a few tiny injections of BOTOX, the lines and wrinkles are noticeably diminished, often within days of the first treatment.

This simple, non-surgical, inexpensive procedure takes only about ten minutes. In fact, many patients conveniently fit their treatments in during a lunch hour since the procedure is practically painless and there is no down time needed for recovery. The effects of a single treatment can last up to four months. Repeat treatments may result in effects that last up to six months at a time. BOTOXis recommended for use by women and men between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use BOTOX. You should always discuss any health conditions and all medications you are taking with your doctor before BOTOX treatments.

It takes approximately 5 days for the medicine to cause the treated muscles to relax. The creases should then begin to smooth out in 1 to 2 weeks. If you have deep creases, it may take a bit longer for the skin to “flatten” out. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. The effect of Botox® usually lasts 3 to 5 months when used to correct wrinkles of the face. First time patients may see the effects subside closer to 3 -4 months while repeat users may enjoy the effects for up to 6 months. While side effects are uncommon, they can often be easily treated when they do occur. The most common side effect following injection includes temporary eyelid droop which can be corrected with eye drops until the Botox effect subsides. In some cases, localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Although the results are visible, Botox® treatment will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you “had something done”. Although the results are visible due to the muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows being reduced, you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.