WHAT IS BOTOX COSMETIC?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a substance that causes the temporary relaxation of muscles. A treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes the frown lines between the brow, the forehead and crow's feet in the eye area.
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
Botox Cosmetic lasts up to four months.
Before After
Photos courtesy of Allergan
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your doctor will determine exactly where to administer several tiny injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he or she may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The BOTOX Cosmetic injections sting for a few seconds. You may notice some redness and mild swelling at the sites of injection which will resolve in a few hours. Discomfort is minimal and brief. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. Within days, you'll see a marked improvement which may continue to improve for as a week and should last up to four months.
Usually, three to seven days after treatment patients will notice a decreased ability to move the treated muscles. Within several weeks, the wrinkles in the treated areas should appear to soften.
The effects of a BOTOX Cosmetic treatment last approximately three months. After this time, your ability to move the treated muscles will gradually return. It is important to note that the effectiveness of the treatment may vary. Rarely, there will be minimal to no effect at all. Most patients find that the effects of BOTOX Cosmetic last longer after having a series of injections due to a cumulative effect.
PRE-TREATMENT PERIOD
Avoid products containing aspirin or ibuprofen for ten days prior to treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic in order to minimize any chance of bruising.
POST-TREATMENT PERIOD
After treatment, you must remain upright for six hours. Keep your head as erect as possible during this time and avoid bending down. Also, for six hours after treatment: do not rub the injection sites, do not exercise, do not wear a hat or a headband, and do not wash or style your hair. In addition, do not fly on an airplane for two days after treatment.
Photos may be taken in follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- Weakness of affected muscles may be more than desired initially but is entirely reversible over time.
- Asymmetry or drooping of the eyelids and eyebrows may occur. This side effect is rare and also completely reversible over time.
- Headaches or tightness may follow the treatments but generally are mild and last less than 24 hours.
- Local swelling and bruising may occur.
CANDIDATE RESTRICTIONS
BOTOX Cosmetic may not be administered to patients who are pregnant, nursing, allergic to albumin (eggs), taking certain antibiotics, affected by any neuromuscular or collagen vascular disease, or that have had any recent eye surgery.
