BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion you show the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. But you don't have to show them anymore.

Now, after extensive testing, BOTOX® is approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles and frown lines. The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses BOTOX® injections to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow's feet and other dynamic wrinkles.

 

BOTOX® Treatment Before and After Photos

How does BOTOX® work?

BOTOX® blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. BOTOX® relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled, while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.

Is BOTOX® safe?

BOTOX® injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive BOTOX® treatments for a variety of conditions and it is quickly becoming a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.

Do BOTOX® injections cause botulism?

No. The words "Botulinum Toxin" often bring to mind images of botulism and food poisoning. BOTOX® has been used to treat neurological disorders for over 30 years. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement over a decade ago about the safe use of Botulinum Toxin for therapeutic use.

Is BOTOX® used to treat any other symptoms?

Yes. BOTOX® has been used for over ten years on thousands of patients to treat blepharospasm associated with dystonia. Some doctors use Botulinum Toxin to treat migrane headaches, sweaty palms and sweaty underarms.

What are the limitations of BOTOX® injections?

Unfortunately, BOTOX® injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of the injections last from three to six months. You will need to have injections about two to three times a year. The early clinical studies indicate that the duration of treatment benefits is increased over time so that you should require injections less frequently in the future. Also, the duration of effect varies from patient to patient. BOTOX® injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift or brow lift.

Are there any side effects from BOTOX® injections?

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. In some cases, BOTOX® can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In rare cases, there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Dr. Nikko will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects of BOTOX® are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.

What results can I expect?

If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, cosmetic denervation can smooth these out and give you a more youthful and pleasant appearance. However, this procedure cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin because they are unrelated to facial muscle contractions.

If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if BOTOX® treatments might work well for you, please call our office and schedule a consultation.