Botox® Cosmetic
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular injectable treatment. This purified toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles to give the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
Botulinum toxin can be used as a wrinkle treatment to smooth:
- Frown lines
- Crows feet
- Forehead furrows
- Skin bands on the neck
Smiling, frowning, squinting and even chewing - basically any facial movement can eventually lead to one of the most common signs of aging: wrinkles. They can make you appear tired or even angry when you are not. One of the quickest and safest remedies to remove wrinkles is an injection of botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers or microdermabrasion to further improve your results. This combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.
Who Should Consider Botox?
Botox Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary correction of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines) associated with corrugator and/or procerus muscle activity in patients 18 to 65 years of age. If you exhibit lines on the smooth part of your forehead above and between the brows (the glabella), you should consider treatment with Botox Cosmetic.
Botox Cosmetic is contraindicated if the patient exhibits an infection at the proposed injection site(s) and or has a known hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin preparation or to any of the components in the formulation. Do not undergo Botox treatment if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you have experienced an allergic reaction to another product containing botulinum toxin. Ask your plastic surgeon about the possible side effects of Botox.
Botulinum toxins won't fix all types of skin problems. For example, while it can diminish under-eye wrinkles, it can't repair the damage caused by the sun. Your skin thickness, type, and the degree of wrinkling all play a role in determining the effectiveness of botulinum toxin. A qualified plastic surgeon is the best person to evaluate the appropriateness of this treatment for you personally.
