What is Botox® ?
Botox is one of the more common cosmetic treatments undergone by both women and men. Botox is a protein placed specifically in the muscles of the forehead or crow’s feet around the eyes used to selectively decrease muscle function and prevent the formation of wrinkling and deep lines. Botox treatment improves the appearance and decreases the prominence of existing frown lines, forehead furrows or crow’s feet. Injections are usually repeated every three to four months to maintain results.
Botox has received FDA approval as a treatment for migraine headaches. If you suffer from migraine headaches, Botox may be of help to you. While not a permanent cure for migraines, the Botox injections typically will need to be repeated every three or four months, there may be a lessening or absence of symptoms while the muscles remain relaxed while the Botox is active.
Botox has also been approved as a treatment for hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. If you are one of the many who are embarrassed by excessive underarm sweating, Botox can safely and effectively treat the problem. Typically the Botox injections need to be repeated about twice a year to maintain results. For many men and women, not worrying about overactive sweating does a great deal to help boost self-confidence and avoid embarrassment.
Why might I consider Botox?
Looking younger and improving facial appearance often may be attained through non-surgical solutions such as using Botox or in conjunction with facial plastic surgery or other procedures and skin care. Decreasing animation and frown lines can make you look less tired and angry creating a more fresh and bright look. (click on photo to left to enlarge)
Those who suffer from migraine headaches or hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) may consider Botox as a treatment option.
Who chooses Botox?
Age does not define candidates for facial rejuvenation. Women and men of various ages choose facial rejuvenation to delay or improve visible indications of facial aging. Millions of patients safely undergo Botox treatments every year in the United States alone.
Additionally, age does not define candidates for treatment of migraine headaches or hyperhydrosis.
These factors generally define good candidates for Botox:
- You can clearly define why you want the injection.
- You understand what Botox can and cannot accomplish.
- You accept the risks of Botox and your responsibilities as a patient.
- You are healthy, emotionally stable and secure.
- You have realistic expectations
What do I need to know about Botox?
- Results are not permanent and will need to be reinjected every 3 to 6 months to maintain results.
- Common side effects are minimal bruising and numbness but are minimal and short in duration.
- You should understand that all cosmetic procedures carry the potential for risks which will be fully discussed with you during your consultation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® are two possible ways to treat moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Both are non-surgical, but they work differently:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic: Injected beneath the skin’s surface to target the underlying muscle activity which is one of the causes of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet. BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily reduce the activity of those muscles.
- JUVÉDERM®: Injected into the skin to temporarily smooth moderate to severe wrinkles such as those around the nose and mouth.
Read more additional technical information about Botox Cosmetic, in the procedures section of the main CTMAX site.