BOTOX® is the trade name for an injectable agent that has been used for years to treat various problems including eye devation, eyelid spasm, and facial spasms. Since gaining FDA approval in March 2002 for cosmetic use, it has widely become one of the most popular of treatments. BOTOX® most effectively treats dynamic lines and wrinkles, i.e., those caused by muscle activity, specifically the muscles that contract during facial expressions (i.e., frowning and squinting). The ideal areas to treat are the deep creases found between the eyebrows, the crows feet wrinkles, and forehead lines.
Frequently Asked Questions About BOTOX®
How long does BOTOX® last?
For most patients, BOTOX® lasts on average 3 – 6 months. Most patients who repeat treatments every 3 months for the first few injections comment that they see it last about 4 months threreafter. We have seen it last as little as a month and as long as a year. In rare cases, a patient may be resistant to BOTOX®. Each patient responds a little differently. Results are a direct response to how strong the muscle is and how many units are used. With regular use of BOTOX®, problem muscle areas gradually atrophy and shrink, allowing the wrinkles they cause to fade away.
Do the wrinkles go away immediately after a BOTOX® injection?
BOTOX® injections usually take 3 – 7 days to start restricting the muscles. After the BOTOX® takes effect, some of your lines will disappear completely and others should be minimized. Some wrinkles have been present so long that they will not go away even when the muscle is paralyzed. These wrinkles may need to be treated with a combination of BOTOX® to paralyze the muscle and another filler.
Will my wrinkles come back stronger after a BOTOX® injection?
No.
Does the BOTOX® injection hurt?
Most people find that the injections cause only mild, temporary discomfort.
Will there be bruising and swelling after a Botox injection?
Immediately after an injection, there may be mild swelling which usually subsides over the next 24 hours. Bruising can occur in a minority of patients. We recommend that patients considering undergoing BOTOX® injections refrain from taking Aspirin, Motrin, or any other blood thinners for 2 weeks prior to injections. If the injection does cause bruising, it is easily concealed with camouflage makeup.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of this treatment are rare. Occasionally, temporary drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid may occur. This may last up to a few weeks. Rarely, numbness may develop in the treated area.
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