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Botox®

BOTOX Cosmetic Logo

What is Botox?

Botox® Cosmetic is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments used to reduce facial lines and wrinkles. 

Botox® Cosmetic is given by an injection to temporarily relax muscles in the face, providing a more youthful, revitalized appearance. The active ingredient in Botox, derived from the protein botulinum toxin, blocks nerve signals to the muscle where it is injected, preventing muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. Botox is especially effective for dynamic wrinkles that form due to repeated smiling, frowning, or squinting. This quick and virtually painless injection can tastefully smooth and rejuvenate the face without leaving it expressionless.

How long does the Botox procedure take?

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment takes approximately 10 minutes and requires very little downtime, meaning it’s great for patients with a busy schedule who still want to enjoy the rejuvenating effects of an aesthetic treatment.

Botox Before and After

What can be treated with Botox?

Botox is commonly used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in these areas of concern:

  • Crow’s feet – smile lines
  • Frown lines, or “elevens” (11’s) – vertical forehead lines
  • Horizontal forehead lines
  • Masseter muscles – jaw clenching
  • Brow asymmetry
  • Bunny lines
  • Chin dimpling
    It is also often used as a medical treatment for muscle problems like TMJ and jaw tension.

Botox Procedure

The Botox procedure is quick and easy, with minimal discomfort for most patients. On the day of your treatment, your provider will first cleanse the area or areas to be treated before gently injecting Botox into your muscle. Some patients experience slight discomfort during injection, but most side effects are short-lived and mild. 

Recovery

Botox typically requires little to no downtime, but it’s important to follow certain precautions to maximize your results and prevent discomfort. You may have mild swelling or bruising at the site of injection. 

Refraining from strenuous physical activity can help reduce these side effects. You should also avoid lying down for four hours after Botox, and avoid putting pressure on the treatment area for at least 12 hours. 

 How Long Does Botox Last?

While the length of Botox results will differ from patient to patient, most enjoy their smoother, refreshed look for around three to six months. Regular retreatment may even be able to extend results and lead to longer intervals between sessions. 

Certain factors that can affect how long your Botox will last include your age, metabolism, and muscle strength. 

Is Botox Safe?

When administered by experienced providers like the experts at The Oculoplastics Center, Botox is very safe. As with any treatment, side effects are possible, but they are rare beyond mild swelling and discomfort. 

However, the treatment is not for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for Botox if you: 

  • Are under 18 years old 
  • Are pregnant or nursing 
  • Have certain underlying health conditions 
  • Have unrealistic expectations about the results of Botox

To discover whether Botox is safe for you, you should attend a consultation with your provider at The Oculoplastics Center. They will examine your skin, discuss your aesthetic concerns, and review your medical history to determine whether the treatment could help you achieve your desired appearance. 

Botox FAQs

Botox® Cosmetic works by weakening the muscles it is injected into. By blocking the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction, it relaxes the muscle treated. Decreasing the muscle contraction results in less wrinkles in the overlying skin.

Results are visible approximately one week after treatment and generally last for three to six months, depending on the individual.

There are several different kinds of botulinum toxin neuromodulators. In the hands of experienced injectors, the results achieved with each type are the same. Dysport is often priced lower than Botox® because it essentially has a lower concentration, requiring a higher dose to get the same results as Botox®. Xeomin® is more closely dosed to Botox® and the price is very similar.

Botox® is a prescription and can be administered by many medical professionals who are licensed to prescribe mediations. Having a licensed medical doctor with ample experience with injectable medications reduces the risk of complications. At The Oculoplastics Center, only Dr. Sweeney performs these injections, ensuring that all patients receive expert-level care. Nobody knows your face like an oculoplastic surgeon – trust your face to the experts.