What is Botox and how does it work?

BOTOX is a purified version of a natural protein, Clostridium botulinum, which is derived from bacteria. Also called Botulinum toxin type A, Botox is an FDA approved prescription medicine used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe lines by blocking nerve impulses to the injected areas. This reduces the muscular activity that causes lines and wrinkles to form on the skin. The untreated muscles contract normally, so your facial expressions are unaffected.

What does it treat?
Botox is used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe lines between the brows, on the forehead, and around the eyes.

What is the procedure like?
Botox is administered as a simple, nonsurgical treatment and injected directly into the muscle. The needle used for the injections is very fine so discomfort associated with injections is minimal. No sedation or local anesthetic is required although your physician may opt to use a topical anesthetic cream. The treatment usually takes 10 minutes or less.

What is the recovery time?
The most common side effects after injection include bruising, temporary eyelid drop and nausea. Less than one percent of patients nationally have an allergic reaction. Patients may drive immediately after treatment with no physical limitations.

How permanent is the result?
Patients usually see results within three days after treatment. The effect may last 3-6 months, at which time the muscle regains movement and wrinkles will reappear.