Frequently Asked Questions
What is BOTOX Cosmetics?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a type of purified toxin, derived from a protein in specific bacteria. In large amounts, this toxin blocks the nerve impulses to muscles, causing a form of paralysis called Botulism. BOTOX® Cosmetic, on the other hand, is a small dose that is injected directly into a specific muscle. Only the action of that muscle will be paralyzed, stopping problems like twitching, spasms, or frown lines.
Where is the BOTOX® Cosmetic injected?
This depends on the area treated. Take frown lines, for example. The frown line between the eyebrows is caused by the action of a muscle called the corrugator. You can feel this as a thickening just below the inside of your eyebrows, when you purposefully make yourself frown. We inject BOTOX® Cosmetic directly into this corrugator muscle, and this stops your ability to draw eyebrows together when you frown. Once the muscle cannot contract, the frown lines gradually fade away. BOTOX® Cosmetic is also effective in the treatment of crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and neck folds.
The actual treatment only takes a few minutes, and the BOTOX® Cosmetic takes effect in three to ten days. Over three to five months the BOTOX® Cosmetic effect will gradually fade, and the muscle action will return. When frown lines reappear, a simple repeat treatment is all that is necessary to maintain the desired result.
Who can perform BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments?
Only licensed physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners specially trained in BOTOX® Cosmetic should administer the injections. Our staff has extensive training and has treated hundreds of patients.
What are the side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
The side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are related to the local injection of the solution. There will be slight discomfort from the needle entering the skin, and a small chance of a bruise forming at the site of the injection. There are no reports of damage to the eye from injections near the eye. There have been no permanent side effects from the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic FDA approved?
Yes, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been tested and approved by the FDA.