Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments > Botox® Cosmetic for Wrinkles

Botox® Cosmetic for Wrinkles

Botox® treatments are a simple, safe, and effective way to improve facial expression lines and combat the signs of aging. Botox® is used to treat wrinkles which are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh, or frown. Over time, the more emotion you show combined with the effects of sun damage, the deeper these wrinkles and lines become.

Botox® binds to nerve endings, preventing the release of the chemical transmitters that activate muscles, thereby blocking impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Botox® decreases local muscle activity thereby preventing the appearance of "dynamic" wrinkles that are caused by repeated facial expressions. This treatment can be used to reduce forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, lines around the eyes ("crow's feet"), neck creases, and lip lines. It can also be used to create a browlift and to lift the corners of the mouth.

After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected. The goal is to weaken the muscles that contribute to aging and sagging and to strengthen the muscles that lift. The injections are relatively painless and the effect generally lasts from four to five months. Many patients choose to have treatments done two or three times per year. In some cases, after multiple treatments, results can last longer in between treatments. Botox® is fully metabolized by the body so it does not remain in the system.

The Procedure:

Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox® is injected into several locations in the face (targeting the appropriate muscle groups). No sedation or local anesthetic is required. The injections are relatively painless. The injections take about 10 minutes and the results are usually dramatic within 5 to 7 days (full effect usually by 2 weeks). The overall effect usually lasts from four to six months.

You can resume normal activities immediately with the following precautions:

• Do not press or massage the area for several hours after injection.
• Avoid lying down or napping for several hours after the procedure.
• Heavy physical exercise should be avoided until the day after the procedure.

Possible Side Effects:

Minimal swelling, redness, or bruising may occur at the local injection sites. Usually there is virtually no sign of treatment within an hour or so of the injections. Makeup may be used directly after treatment. In rare cases, the Botox® can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles, cause drooping of an eyelid, or asymmetry of facial expression. Any and all side effects are temporary.

Sometimes the injections may not result in the desired reduction in wrinkling and a repeat treatment may be necessary. If you do not see an improvement after two weeks, please call and schedule a follow-up treatment.

Safety:

Botox® injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurological disorders. Each year many thousands of patients receive Botox® treatments for a variety of conditions. It is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.

Patient Instructions - Before Botox® Treatment

• Discontinue aspirin and Ibuprofen products (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) for ten (10) days prior to treatment. Tylenol is permitted.
• Avoid Vitamin E supplements for two (2) days prior to treatment. Regular multivitamins are permitted.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to treatment.

If you have any questions or wish to set up an appointment, please call our office today at 914.631.4666.

Dr. Stallings answers potential patient questions on RealSelf.com