BOTOX® Cosmetic
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable prescription medication that your doctor or dentist may inject into the muscles of the face to produce a temporary improvement in the appearance of frown lines that occur naturally between eyebrows as we age. There is no surgery involved in BOTOX administration and no recovery time.
The injection contains botulinum toxin A, and is considered a safe treatment because it is a temporary procedure. It has been compared to teeth whitening, another temporary procedure that needs to be repeated on occasion to maintain results.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Safe to Use?
Over 11 million procedures have been performed since 2002. BOTOX is approved by the FDA for use in treating moderate to severe frown lines.
As with any medical treatment, there are risks. Some of the side effects may be life threatening. If you experience problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, at any time after a BOTOX injection, whether it is hours or weeks post-treatment, seek medical assistance immediately.
There is a risk that injection of the botulinum toxin will affect tissues surrounding the injection site such as: weakness, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, vocal changes, and more. In these cases, refrain from driving and seek medical advice.
Serious allergic reactions include: itching, rash, wheezing, and dizziness. If you experience asthma-like symptoms or dizziness, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical help.
You should no use BOTOX® Cosmetic if you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained within the injection (see packaging for details) or if you have a skin infection at the proposed injection site. Because the effects are unknown, women planning to get pregnant, or are pregnant or nursing should not use BOTOX® Cosmetic.
To ensure the safest experience, inform your doctor of your current medications (prescribed, over-the-counter, and vitamins), medical conditions, recent illnesses or surgeries, or any issues with facial muscle weakness.
In most cases, patients experience few, if any, adverse effects.
BOTOX® Cosmetic has an established record of experience that your healthcare professional knows and trusts-it's precise and predictable.
What to expect from BOTOX® Cosmetic
Over time, we develop vertical lines between our eyebrows. This is the natural effect of years of our facial muscles being used for frowning and squinting. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and the lines remain.
A licensed, trained healthcare professional is the only individual allowed to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. The treatment consists of a few small injections around the area of the frown lines. This procedure blocks the nerves that trigger the muscles to contract, thus preventing the contractions that cause the wrinkles. This gradually lessens the appearance of the frown lines.
The procedure only takes about ten minutes and results are usually visible within the first 24-28 hours after treatment. Visible results may continue for up to four months.
According to responses from patient surveys, 95% were satisfied with the results of their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. Another survey said that 81% of patients surveyed said that they expect to use BOTOX® Cosmetic in the future.
In clinical trials, 74% of patients on the 7th day after treatment had mild or no lines between their eyebrows.
