What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX is short for Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is a drug that has been used for decades to treat a variety of medical conditions and was approved by the FDA for aesthetic treatments in 2002. Its uses continue to grow, offering a wide range of cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
Essentially, BOTOX is a muscle-relaxer. Your brain sends electrical messages to your muscles so that they can contract and move. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscle by a substance called acetylcholine. BOTOX works to block the release of acetylcholine and, as a result, the muscle does not receive the message to contract. This means that the muscle spasms or movements stop or are greatly reduced.
Commonly treated areas include:
- Forehead Lines
- Glabella / Frown Lines
- Crow’s feet
- Brow Lift
- Gummy Smile
- Headaches due to Clenching and Grinding
- Nefertiti Lift
What is the BOTOX® procedure like?
BOTOX treatments are fairly quick. The injections are made using a very fine needle making the treatment virtually painless and there is little to no downtime after the appointment.
Benefits include:
Is proven safe and effective
Short appointment times
Mild side effects
Non-invasive
Little to no downtime
Provides months of improvement
Results of Treatment:
Generally, results are visible within two to ten days after your initial treatment. However, it takes about 2 weeks for your Botox injections to achieve optimal results. Depending on the problem being treated, results may last from three to six months before you’ll need another treatment.
Common Side Effects:
- Bruising
- Redness
- Minor Swelling
- Headaches
- Numbness
Please contact Dr. Lori if you experience side effects such as rashes, major swelling, or difficulty breathing and swallowing. Severe side effects can indicate a rare but serious allergic reaction.