BOTOX® Cosmetic
When considering BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment it is important to understand the difference between two types of wrinkles that are present on the face - dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. Static wrinkles are wrinkles caused due to lack of elasticity in the skin and are visible at all times including when the face is at rest.
Now thanks to an FDA approved drug, dynamic wrinkles can be dramatically softened. The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses BOTOX® Cosmetic to improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
How Does It Work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks impulses from facial nerves to the facial muscles that subsequently cause dynamic wrinkles. By blocking these impulses the muscles are unable to contract fully, which softens or eliminates dynamic wrinkles on the skin. Any untreated facial muscles still contract normally allowing normal facial expression.
Are BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments Safe?
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections have been used safely and effectively for over 20 years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments for a variety of conditions and it has quickly become a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.
What Is The Treatment Like?
Using a tiny needle a small amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected very precisely into several locations of the face. No sedation or anesthetic is required. Because of the needle size, discomfort is minimal.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Temporary swelling and bruising are the most common side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. To avoid the chance of bruising it is recommended that you avoid blood thinning products such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, various herbal supplements and wine for two weeks prior to treatment.
In some rare cases BOTOX® Cosmetic can spread and cause temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In this instance drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression can occur. This side effect is temporary and usually takes 2-3 weeks to resolve.
What Results Can I Expect?
Cosmetic denervation can smooth dynamic wrinkles to give you a more youthful appearance with results that typically last between 3-6 months. It is important to note that this procedure cannot improve static wrinkles that have been caused by aging or sun damage because static wrinkles are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for any type of surgery that lifts or repositions deep tissue layers.