What creates a wrinkle?

Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. These "expression lines", often called frown lines or crow's feet, are due to the contraction of a muscle under the skin in that area. We have known for years that surgically cutting the muscle will improve the wrinkle.

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although BOTOX® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.

How is BOTOX® used?

A few drops of BOTOX® are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When BOTOX® is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.

BOTOX® Relaxed

BOTOX® Tightening

Does a BOTOX® injection hurt?

When BOTOX® is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

Where can BOTOX® be injected?

The most common areas for the use of BOTOX® are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well.

Does BOTOX® affect other facial expressions or create numbness?

BOTOX® doesn't affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. Also, the effect of the BOTOX® is only in the immediate area of the injection. Therefore, the muscles related to other expressions are unaffected.

How long does a BOTOX® treatment last?

The effects of BOTOX® usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX® may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.

How safe is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection.

Is the treatment for everyone?

There are very few restrictions regarding BOTOX® treatments. Patients who are pregnant or have a neurological disease should not be treated.

Top Of Page