BOTOX®

Botox® blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can’t contract. That makes the wrinkles relax and soften.

Botox® is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox. Advanced  applications include vertical lip lines, dimpling of the chin  , platysmal bands (neck ) Bunny lines (nose) jaw definition (nefrettiti neck lift) Hyperhydrosis  of armpits , hands and feet (excessive sweating) gummy smile correction and reduction of excessive masseter action due to teeth grinding(resulting in a less square jaw line).

Having a Botox  treatment takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes 3 – 10 days to take full effect, and it is best to avoid alcohol for at least one week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.

The effects from Botox will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox. Headaches, which end in 24 to 48 hours, can happen, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually ends within three weeks.  Drooping can occur when the forehead lines are injected  or the area is massaged post treatment.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease(myasthenia Gravis) should not use Botox. Since Botox doesn’t work for all wrinkles, you should consult with a doctor first.