|
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® is a purified protein – the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. It is administered in a simple, nonsurgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, forehead creases, crow’s feet near the eyes, and thick bands in the neck.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic FDA approved? Is it safe?
Having already been in use therapeutically for more than 15 years, BOTOX® Cosmetic was officially FDA approved in 2002. It is currently approved in more than 75 countries.
To date, there have been no allergies associated with BOTOX®. However, there are some common side-effects that may appear after injection. These include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.
Please see “How do I know if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for me?” for more details.
What is the difference between BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers?
Frown lines are caused by overactive facial muscles. Fillers mask the wrinkle by adding volume around the muscle with intradermal injections, “filling” the skin. BOTOX® Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing or incapacitating them.
While there are many options available for fillers, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only products of its type that affects the actual muscles that cause these wrinkles.
What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Dr. Cheski will make a few tiny injections into the targeted muscle that is causing the offending wrinkles. The injections stop nerve impulses from moving to the injected muscles, so the muscles relax and the skin smoothes over them.
Dr. Cheski will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he may chose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting, for your comfort.
The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, making it perfect to schedule in on your lunch hour if you’re busy, like most of us are. Discomfort is minimal and brief; most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. Downtime is nil. You can resume your normal activity immediately.
How soon will I see results? What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect to see the results of your BOTOX® Cosmetic injection mere days after your treatment. While there may still be some swelling, don’t worry. The appearance of the injected area will continue to improve for up to a week. Take care to not bend over or lie down for six hours after your injection. Doing so may spread the BOTOX® to other muscles, causing an uneven look.
How do I know if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for me?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic.
You should not be treated if you have an infection at the proposed injection site. Patients with certain neurological disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Myasthenia Gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at risk of serious side effects. It should also not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are still unsure, ask Dr. Cheski if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. Only your physician can determine the best course of action for you. Make sure that Dr. Cheski is aware of any current medication you are taking, as any adverse side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic can be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.
How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer BOTOX® injections. Allergan, Inc. – the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic – is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the products, therefore each label will have the “Allergan” hologram prominently displayed.
There are many factors to consider in choosing the right Surgeon for your procedure. Dr. Cheski has the experience and knowledge to perform the procedure(s) you desire, improve your self-esteem, and help you look and feel better than you ever have before.
Call 310.575.1500 today and speak to our knowledgeable surgical
consultants and schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
^top
|
