BOTOX® Cosmetic is a popular cosmetic treatment for facial wrinkles, frown lines, and wrinkle reduction. BOTOX® Cosmetic allows people to look and feel younger without the risk or cost of traditional plastic surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular physician-administered aesthetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and non-surgical combined).
BOTOX® Facts:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic, introduced in 2002, is the first botulinum toxin to be approved by the FDA to temporarily treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines).
- With real, noticeable results, no surgery and no recovery time, there are many reasons why BOTOX® Cosmetic has been chosen by millions of women and their doctors.
- Approximately 11.8 million BOTOX® Cosmetic procedures have been administered in the United States since 2002.
- 92% of 303 patients surveyed were satisfied with the results of their BOTOX® Cosmetic experience (please note that individual results may vary).
How BOTOX® Cosmetics Works
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected between the eyebrows and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX® Cosmetic, also known as onabotulinumtoxin A, should be administered by experienced healthcare professionals. The medication is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows. To maintain the effects, follow-up BOTOX® injections are needed every few months. At NY Vision Group our plastic surgeon administers BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in both our New York City and our Queens facilities.
Am I a Candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Cosmetic BOTOX® is most suitable for people who wish to diminish moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and creases in the forehead. Very deep lines may require more than one treatment to be effective. BOTOX®, however, is not suitable for treating wrinkles which are caused by sun damage, nor does it have an effect on the loss of the skin’s elasticity, which is a normal side effect of the aging process. When used for cosmetic purposes, the ideal age for a candidate is between the ages of 18 and 65.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid BOTOX® injections as there is little evidence into the effects of BOTOX® on the mother and child. Patients taking antibiotics should advise their doctor of this before undergoing treatment, as some medications will preclude patients from having the procedure. There are also several medical disorders such as multiple sclerosis which would make someone unsuitable for BOTOX® treatment. You should inform your doctor of your complete medical history and all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are currently taking before having BOTOX® treatments.
It is also important to remember that the amount of improvement in the appearance of wrinkles may vary among patients. Some people respond better to BOTOX® than others. Occasionally there is little improvement and another form of treatment, or other dermal filler, may be recommended.
Side Effects and Risks
Despite being one of the safest non-surgical cosmetic treatments, BOTOX® does have a few side effects and risks associated with it. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to do your research before making a decision and choose trained, trusted and experienced providers such as the doctors at NY Vision Group. When BOTOX® is used as a wrinkle treatment and injected around the eyes and the mouth, possible side effects include pain at the injection site; headaches; bruising; swelling; bleeding. These are minor and normal side effects that come with most injections and subside in a few hours to a few days. More serious side effects include flu-like symptoms; respiratory infection; temporary drooping of the treated muscles. These symptoms are rare. If the side effects do not disappear within a day or two or if you feel like you are having an adverse reaction to the injection, contact your provider immediately. He or she will evaluate your situation and advise you on the best way to deal with the problem. As with any other cosmetic procedure, whether it is non-surgical or surgical, getting BOTOX® injections implies knowledge and acceptance of the different risks and side effects.
