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BOTOX® COSMETIC
What Causes Wrinkles Between the Brows, Around the Eyes and on the Forehead?
The lines that appear between your brows, around your eyes, and on your forehead actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. When the muscles contract in these areas and the skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning, squinting or raising your brows can result in those moderate to severe lines.
What is Botox® Cosmetic?
It is a purified protein administered in a simple nonsurgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles between the brows, on the forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet). Botox® Cosmetic is primarily used in people aged 18 to 65. During treatment, very low doses of Botox® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines.
Botox® has been used therapeutically for over 15 years to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is approved in more than 75 countries. Botox® for therapeutic use remains one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. The same product with dosing specific to glabellar lines (between the brows) was approved in 2002 by the FDA as Botox® Cosmetic.
What is the Difference Between Botox® Cosmetic and Fillers?
Overactive facial muscles cause frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Fillers mask the wrinkle by adding volume around the muscle with intradermal injections. Botox® Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing them. While there are many options available for fillers, Botox® Cosmetic is the only product of its type that affects the muscles that cause these wrinkles.
Have Patients Been Happy With Their Results?
According to a recent survey of 200 dermatologists and plastic surgeons, Botox® Cosmetic has the highest perceived patient satisfaction rating of all physician-administered treatments in 2003 and 2004.* And for the past 3 years, Botox® Cosmetic was the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States (surgical and nonsurgical combined).+ The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery also estimates that almost 3 million procedures were performed in 2004 alone.+
*Dermatologist/Plastic Surgeon Awareness, Trial, and Usage Survey
+The America Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
What Should I Look for When Looking for Botox® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer Botox® Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of Botox® Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professional to purchase the product, and each label has the “Allergan” hologram.
How Soon Will I See a Difference? What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area treated may continue to improve for up to a week. By day 30 approximately 90% of patients judge the severity of the frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.
What is the Treatment Like?
Botox® Cosmetic treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Dr. Thomas will meet with you and discuss your treatment goals and determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best result. She will apply a topical anesthetic cream prior to injecting. Discomfort is minimal and brief-most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You may resume normal activity immediately. Dr. Thomas makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that are causing lines between your brows, on your forehead, and around the eyes.
What Should I Do to Prepare Prior to a Treatment?
You should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naprosyn) St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
The most common side effects following injection of Botox® Cosmetic are related to the injections, and they include swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising. Less likely side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.
How Long Will Results Last?
Visible results can last 3-4 months. After that, you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment. Your own results may vary-be sure to talk to Dr. Thomas about what to expect.
How Do I Know if Botox® Cosmetic is Right for Me?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for Botox® Cosmetic. There are a few medical instances where you should not be treated with Botox® Cosmetic, and Dr. Thomas can help you decide if Botox® Cosmetic is not appropriate for you.
According to a survey by the America Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox® Cosmetic is one of the least-costly facial aesthetic procedures. And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of moderate to severe lines, you my find Botox® Cosmetic to a great way to invest in yourself.
How Can I Find Out More About Botox® Cosmetic?
You can find comprehensive information at BotoxCosmetic.com. You can learn more about the procedure, see more before and after photographs, and hear stories about patient’s experiences with this treatment.
Call Us to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation
Dr. Thomas will be happy to tell you more about your treatment options, possible side effects and what results you can expect during your complimentary consultation.
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