Reduce Frown Lines, Fine Lines And Crow’s Feet
With BOTOX™ Injections
- BOTOX™ Injections – Quick Glance
- BOTOX™ Injections Potential Risks
- BOTOX™ Injections Postoperative Care
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name BOTOX™, is a purified protein. This is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
The purified protein temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Studies have also suggested that Botox™ is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
Typically Botox™ lasts approximately 4-6 months.
Schedule Your BOTOX™ Injections Consultation With Dr. Vu Today By Calling 503.297.8555 or Toll Free 866.297.8522.
This is a procedure covered by CosmetAssure. Learn how Dr. Vu protects you from any potential financial burden from complications by visiting our Complications Assurance page.
BOTOX™ – A Quick Glance
What Is BOTOX™?
BOTOX™ is a new concept in treating facial wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes, and in the “crows feet” areas (upper third of the face). Botulinum toxin, or BOTOX™ works by weakening the muscles of facial expressions.
Once the resting tone of the treated muscles are weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and the overlying skin flattens.
This approach is different than the other local treatments for the aging face. Silicone, Collagen, Autologous Fat Transfer, Alloderm, Softform, etc. all work by filling in wrinkles or depressions.
These fillers are frequently not as effective as BOTOX™ in treating wrinkles in the upper third of the face.
By physiologically weakening the muscles, wrinkles are lessened naturally.
How Long Does BOTOX™ Last?
Injection of this material into the small muscles between the brows, in the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes causes those specific muscles to halt their function (be paralyzed), thereby improving the appearance of the wrinkles.
This paralysis is temporary, and re-injection is necessary within three to ten months. Options for alternative treatments include injection of either collagen or free fat, or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually through a brow lift.
How Is BOTOX™ Used?
BOTOX™ is freshly prepared on the day of injection.
Once prepared, the medication needs to be used within 12 hours, as the potency diminishes with time. Because of the short shelf life and the cost, BOTOX™ is not available every day in our office. In order for the treatment to be cost effective, more than one patient must be treated on the same day.
Using a very tiny needle, small amounts of BOTOX™ are injected into the muscles needing to be paralyzed. Depending on the areas being treated, 5-15 needle pricks (or more) may be required.
Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds.
Are There Side Effects With BOTOX™?
Occasionally, the needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection and a black and blue area may develop. Such an area can last 5-10 days and may require make-up to cover.
If any of the Botulinum toxin reaches a facial muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that muscle may last for several months. (For this reason, you are requested not to massage the injected areas for 12 hours following the injection.)
If an untreated area experiences muscle weakness, the only “treatment” is to wait for the effect of the toxin to wear off in several months.
There are no recognized permanent side effects of BOTOX™. Complications are rare but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). BOTOX™ has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 15 years.
BOTOX™ In Combination With Facial Surgery
BOTOX™ injected in conjunction with nearby facial surgery has caused unwanted facial weakness in at least one patient.
For this reason, we will inject BOTOX™ only as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.
BOTOX™ Notes
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All procedures have some degree of risk.
BOTOX™Injections Potential Risks
A. Pain, swelling and bruising
Minor discomfort at the injection site is common and may persist for a few days following the treatment. A small amount of swelling, bruising, or an allergic reaction can sometimes be seen for several days at the injection site.
B. Nausea and headaches
These symptoms can be experienced for a short time following the procedure, much like the onset of the flu.
C. Unevenness
The body is not symmetric, and sometimes the injections can have a more pronounced effect on one area or than the other.
Over and Undertreatment
Sometimes the correction from the procedure will not achieve the full desired effect, and the injection may need to be repeated. Alternatively, sometimes a muscle is sensitive and becomes more paralyzed than desired. This leaves a temporary deformity from the loss of action of that muscle.
The consequence will depend on the area of treatment, but may include, for instance, a droopy corner of the mouth, a droopy eyelid, inability to elevate the brow, or weakness in closing the eye.
If a problem with an eyelid muscle occurs, there can be dryness of the eye requiring eyedrops, tearing of the eye, and light sensitivity.
E. Duration of paralysis
This procedure is designed to render temporary muscular paralysis for three months on average. This may vary by patient but cannot be predicted by Dr. Vu and the effect per patient may be a substantially shorter or longer duration.
F. Pregnancy
It is not known if Botulinum toxin is safe to the fetus in pregnant women. If the patient is pregnant or plans to be, she may not receive injections.
G. Revisions
Should complications occur, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. If there is a complication, Dr. Vu will endeavor to correct it.
BOTOX™ Injections Postoperative Care
A. Massage
Do not massage the treated area for 12 hours.
B. Ice Packs
Ice any bruising that may occur.
C. Make-up
Make-up can be applied immediately.
D. Downtime
For the most part, there is no downtime. A small amount of swelling may occur at the site.
E. Bruising
If this occurs, it will usually resolve within 7-10 days.
F. Activites
Do not do strenuous activities or exercies for about 24 yours after the injection.
Schedule Your BOTOX™ Injections Consultation With Dr. Vu Today By Calling 503.297.8555 or Toll Free 866.297.8522.
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