BOTOX® Cosmetic BEVERLY HILLS / LOS ANGELES
BOTOX® Cosmetic – Facial Rejuvenation for Frown Lines
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a cosmetic prescription medicine that is injected into muscles of the face to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults younger than 65 years of age for a temporary period of time. BOTOX® Cosmetic was rated the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States, with 3.8 million treatments in 2005. BOTOX® Cosmetic was introduced in the late 1980s by ophthalmologists as a treatment for optic muscle disorders. It was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, helping millions of patients get rid of nagging facial lines and wrinkles. It is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an extremely popular facial injectable because it is simple to perform and consistently achieves good results. With just a few injections, the procedure can paralyze facial muscles and prevent them from wrinkling. Patients are typically between the ages of 35 and 60. The name alone, BOTOX® Cosmetic, is an implication of the true nature of the substance: Botulinum toxin type A. It is a non-surgical way to reduce frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet, neck bands and other wrinkles.
A little bit of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment does a powerful job. The treatment is effective but temporary and has to be repeated every 3 to 6 months.* BOTOX® Cosmetic weakens the facial muscles that create wrinkles and frowns when they contract. When it starts to wear off, muscle activity will gradually begin to reappear, so you will not wake up one morning to all of your pre-Botox wrinkles lunging at you in the bathroom mirror. The goal of BOTOX® Cosmetic is a subtle softening of facial expression lines.
If you are thinking about taking BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, it is wise to first learn about the procedure and the possible side affects. Understanding how BOTOX® Cosmetic works is an important step in making up your mind if it is a cosmetic surgery procedure that will be worthwhile for you. Let’s go through the procedure step by step. Please note that although the treatment is typical, the routine may be different at certain places!
First, I will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. The location, size and use of the muscles that create a furrowed brow vary markedly among individuals. BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin type A) is then injected with a very tiny needle. The injected Botox attaches itself to nerve endings. During unimpeded muscle function, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released from these nerve endings, causing muscle contractions. BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the release of acetylcholine, causing the muscle to become relaxed.
Normally no anesthesia is required, although I may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Most patients compare the sensation to a pin prick.*
BOTOX® Cosmetic Recovery
Depending on the extent of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, the procedure can take a few minutes up to 20 minutes.* Generally, patients return home shortly after the treatment is complete. Patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves itself within days, or in rare cases, months after the procedure.*
Risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic
Some of the risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic are local numbness, swelling or bruising. Scarring from the fine needle tip is also possible. Some patients experienced a temporary headache and nausea. Most complications are experienced for only a short period of time and can be avoided with finding an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon that is knowledgeable of the proper injection techniques. A small percentage of BOTOX® Cosmetic patients experience no improvement. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) states on their website, “BTX injections for aesthetic purposes appear to be safe and effective.”*
Warning! BOTOX® Cosmetic injections should not be administered if you are pregnant, nursing or taking certain medications. For example, effects may be increased with certain antibiotics. Inform your plastic surgeon of all medications you currently take.
To find out if BOTOX® Cosmetic can accomplish your individual goals, please contact Dr. Ellenbogen’s office to schedule a consultation. Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon Dr. Richard Ellenbogen serves Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, and surrounding areas.
* With optimal treatment. Results may vary for different patients and are not guaranteed. Contact our office to schedule a personalized consultation to determine if you are a good candidate.
