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| How
does Botox® work? |
| When
facial expressions are made, the delicate muscles beneath the skin contract and cause the skin to fold. As we age, these folds form permanent creases known as "dynamic wrinkles." These wrinkles deepen with age and often make us look older that we actually are.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
relaxes select muscle in the face and limits their ability
to contract. After treatment, the overlying skin lays
flat and unwrinkled while the untreated facial  muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial
expression to be unaffected.
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| How
is the treatment performed? |
| BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are very simple to perform and usually take less than five minutes per area. Using a tiny micro-needle, a miniscule amount
of BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected very precisely into select facial muscles.
The needle is very fine and only a small amount of the substance is used, therefore, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. No sedation or local
anesthetic is necessary. Comfort is enhanced with an ice pack applied to the area a few minutes before treatment.
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| How
long do the treatments take? |
| Depending
on the number of injections necessary, the treatment may take up to 30 minutes. |
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| How
much pain will I experience? |
The pain associated with a BOTOX® Cosmetic injection is very slight because the needle is hair fine. A few minutes prior to treatment, an ice pack is
applied to the area for enhanced comfort. After the procedure, there is virtually no pain.
You'll be able to return to work or home immediately after your treatment. |
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| What
can I expect afterward? |
You may resume normal activities immediately after your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment as long as you maintain an upright position and avoid any pressure on
the area for four or five hours.
The results of the treatment are generally visible within 3 to 5 days, however some areas may take up to a week. In most cases, the treated wrinkles will lie flat, giving your face a smoother, younger appearance.
Although results vary, they usually last for about 4 to 6 months. The procedure can and
should be repeated about every six months. The result tends to be longer lasting with subsequent treatments. |
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| Ideal
candidate: |
In general, the best candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are those who are:
- Wanting to remove "expression related" wrinkles in the face or neck.
- In good physical and psychological health.
- Realistic in their expectations.
- Not using anabolic steroids.
The above is only a partial
listing of the criteria that our medical staff will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you.
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| Are
there any limitations with Botox? |
| BOTOX® Cosmetic can remove, reduce and prevent wrinkles by interfering with repeated facial expressions that contribute to their formation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, however, cannot improve age-related wrinkles, sun-damaged skin or sagging skin. In many cases, wrinkles related to age, may be treated with the CoolTouch III Gentle Laser, a Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing. Individuals
with excess or sagging skin may want to consider a "QuickLift Facelift," which has become popular among men and women in their late 40s and 50s.
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| What
are the alternatives to Botox? |
| To date, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only treatment that actually "releases" expression-related wrinkles and inhibits the contraction of the underlying
muscles. Injectable fillers such as Collagen and Fat may be used instead of BOTOX® Cosmetic to soften these wrinkles but complete removal is unlikely.
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, however, cannot improve age-related wrinkles, sun-damaged skin or sagging skin. In many cases, wrinkles related to age, may be treated with the CoolTouch III Gentle Laser, a Chemical Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing. Individuals
with excess or sagging skin may want to consider a "QuickLift," which has become popular among men and women in their late 40s and 50s.
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| Are
there any side effects? |
Some patients may experience mild bruising or swelling at the injection site, or a mild headache. These conditions are temporary and gradually
subside within a day or two.
In rare cases when patients do not keep their head upright, the BOTOX® Cosmetic can migrate and
weaken nearby muscles. This may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop. This condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. |
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| During
your consultation… |
- Tell us about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
- Tell us about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
- Carefully follow any instructions we give you.
The information on this website is intended to be an introduction to cosmetic procedures. This information should not be used to determine whether you are a candidate for
a procedure nor is it a guarantee of your personal results. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for a specific procedure is by scheduling
a consultation with one of our medical professionals who can evaluate your personal situation and answer your specific questions. |
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All photos and logos contained in this Web site are protected by copyright and may not be copied, linked, or redistributed in any form.
Copyright © 2008, Dominic A. Brandy, MD All Rights Reserved
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery |
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1.800.429.1151
Surgery for the Aging Face | Rx Topical Treatments
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