One of the most popular anti-aging treatments today, Botox Cosmetic
injections reduce the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles, or lines
caused by the movement of muscles. Botox can also lift sagging
eyebrows, improve neck lines and treat excessive sweating
(hyperhidrosis).
Botox blocks certain chemical signals that cause muscles to contract,
temporarily relaxing the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox is
FDA-approved to correct frown lines between the eyebrows and forehead
creases. It can also be used to treat wrinkles on other areas of the
face, including crow's feet, lines around the nose, or "smoker's
lines" around the mouth.
Botox injections can also be combined with a facial filler such as
Juvederm or Radiesse to maximize results.
Botox injections take only 10 to 15 minutes and are relatively
painless. The treatment requires no downtime; you can return to your
normal daily activities immediately. You may experience some slight
redness or bruising at the injection site. Do not rub or massage the
treated areas, as this can cause the Botox to migrate to a different
area. Do not lie flat on your back or engage in strenuous exercise for
the remainder of the day.
Some results may be visible after a few days, but in some cases it may
take as long as two weeks to see the full effects. Repeat injections
are necessary every three to six months as the effects wear off. Botox
will not reverse wrinkling caused by sun damage.
Your skin type, skin thickness, and the degree of wrinkling are all
factors that determine whether these injections will be effective in
reducing the appearance of your wrinkles.