>>> Home
>>> Get a Specialist
>>> Check a Surgeon
>>> Cosmetic Procedures
>>> Choosing a Surgeon
>>> Contact Us

Botox® Cosmetic (Facial Injection)

Botox® Cosmetic, or Botulinum Toxin, is a procedure utilizing tiny needles to be injected into facial muscles causing relaxation, resulting in a smooth and youthful appearance of the face. Botox® Cosmetic is much different than typical skin "fillers" in that it eliminates wrinkles by using this relaxation technique instead of simply filling in wrinkles. People can now eliminate forehead lines, crow's feet and frown lines through this painless and brief procedure.

With Botox® Cosmetic, wrinkles and frown lines that you once thought would stay with you for the rest of your life, can be eliminated and replaced with a youthful vibrant look that improves your appearance and boosts your self-confidence.

• How is a Botox® Cosmetic procedure performed?
• How long does a Botox® Cosmetic procedure take?
• What type of anesthesia is used?
• Where is the procedure performed?
• When can I return home and resume normal activities?
• How do I prepare for a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?
• What precautions are necessary during recovery?
• What are the possible complications after a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?
• What results can I expect after a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?
• Choosing the right surgeon

How is a Botox® Cosmetic procedure performed?

Botox® Cosmetic treatment is a very precise procedure that must be done carefully to be successful. After you've decided on the result you would like to achieve, your surgeon will choose specific facial muscles that correspond to the areas you would like to improve. After isolating these muscles, your surgeon will use a tiny needle to inject a very small amount of Botox® Cosmetic. When injected into the facial muscles around your eyes and brow, Botox® Cosmetic causes them to relax within 24 to 72 hours. By relaxing these muscles, you are no longer able to tighten and contract them in a manner that creates the wrinkles associated with squinting and stressful concentration. Botox® Cosmetic works by blocking nerve impulses to the facial muscles, which prevents you from tightening the skin around your eyes and brow. As a result, your skin slowly flattens and smoothes itself over. Since the muscle is no longer able to move, wrinkles will disappear.

How long does a Botox® Cosmetic procedure take?

Depending on the number of injections needed, the treatment may take 10 to 30 minutes.

go up

What type of anesthesia is used?

Anesthesia is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing agents may be used. Some patients prefer to apply a mild analgesic cream 30 minutes before their treatment.

Where is the procedure performed?

Botox® Cosmetic treatments can be performed in the doctor's office or in a surgical suite.

When can I return home and resume normal activities?

Treatment with Botox® Cosmetic is a very simple procedure, which allows you to return home immediately after your procedure. You should avoid exercise or other strenuous activities for 24 hours after your treatment. However, after that time you should be able to resume your normal activities. Speak with your physician about what he or she specifically recommends for you.

go up

How do I prepare for a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make to your appearance. Since the appearance of your face is a matter of personal perception and preference, you will need to discuss your concerns in detail so your surgeon can determine the appropriate alternatives. Your surgeon will perform a health history and complete facial examination to determine which areas of your face may benefit from Botox® Cosmetic. Botox® Cosmetic can only treat wrinkles caused by muscle contractions; therefore, you may need facial chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing to eliminate additional facial lines and wrinkles. Your experience will be much smoother if you remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions.

go up

What precautions are necessary during recovery?

You should avoid lying down for four to five hours after your procedure. Do not touch the area that was treated for at least four hours. Doing so may cause Botox® Cosmetic to spread to other nearby muscles. In addition, your physician may recommend that you perform facial exercises that he or she will describe to you.

go up

What are the possible complications after a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?

Some patients experience slight, short-term bruising at the injection site. Such bruising is usually minimal and can be easily covered with make-up. On occasion, the toxin can migrate to other muscles and cause weakness, which is temporary. In approximately 1% of patients, Botox® Cosmetic may cause an eyelid to slightly droop or cause facial expressions to be slightly out of balance. However, each of these side effects is short term, lasting only a few weeks at the most. There have been no reports of damage to the eye or any permanent side effects from Botox® Cosmetic treatments. Discontinuing Botox® Cosmetic treatments will reverse any side effect that may occur from the treatment. It is always important to be informed about the possible complications before any procedure. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your surgeon.

go up

What results can I expect after a Botox® Cosmetic procedure?

You should begin to notice the results from your Botox® Cosmetic treatment two to seven days after your procedure. The results you achieve from your initial treatment should last anywhere from three to six months. After this time, you will need to return to your physician for more treatments. However, research shows that after each Botox® Cosmetic treatment the results tend to last a little longer. Eventually, most patients require treatments only once or twice a year to maintain their desired appearance.

go up