BOTOX ® Cosmetic Injections for Diminishing Wrinkles
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been shown to be effective at diminishing the appearance of wrinkles around eyes, smooth over furrows on the forehead, and soften creases between the brows.

What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a 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® Cosmetic 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 then 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® Cosmetic in treating wrinkles in the upper third of the face. By physiologically weakening the muscles, wrinkles are lessened naturally.

How Long Does It Last?
Injection of this material into the small muscles between the brows, in the forehead, and at the corner of the eyes cause 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 injections of either collagen or free fat, or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually through a brow lift.

How Is It Used?
BOTOX® Cosmetic 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® Cosmetic is not available every day in our office. In order for the treatment to be cost effective, more then one patient must be treated on the same day. Using a very tine needle, small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed. Depending on the areas being treated, 5-15 needle pricks (or more) may be required. Discomfort is minimal and last only a few seconds.

Side Effects?
Occasionally, the needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection and a black and blue area may develop. Such areas can last 5-10 days and may require make-up to cover.

If any of the Botulinum toxin reaches facial muscles 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 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® Cosmetic. Complications are rare but may include paralysis of nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 15 years.

BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511

Mishawaka Office

611 EAST DOUGLAS ROAD, SUITE 108
MISHAWAKA, IN 46545
PHONE: 574-968-9100
FAX: 574-968-2614

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