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BOTOX® Cosmetic Wrinkle Treatment
(June 2000)BOTOX® Cosmetic is the trade name for a purified medicine derived from botulinum bacterium. Over the past 15 years, this potent substance has been used for the treatment of many conditions caused by muscle spasm. The first FDA approved use of BOTOX® Cosmetic was for blepharospasm (eyelid twitching) treatment. Dermatologists noted that when blepharospasm patients were treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic, their crow’s feet and surrounding wrinkles disappeared. BOTOX® Cosmetic has since been developed into an extremely effective treatment for natural wrinkle lines that occur with muscle movement.
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BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is a minimally invasive technique that has revolutionized the cosmetic approach to rejuvenation of facial skin. BOTOX® Cosmetic has set a new standard for the “wash & wear” treatment of forehead lines and wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is generally appropriate for the upper part of the face only, as relaxing mouth muscles interferes with normal mouth use. Therefore, “smile” lines are not usually treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Prior to the advent of BOTOX® Cosmetic and collagen treatments, surgery was the only effective procedure used to correct some of the age-related changes of the face. Since not everyone is an ideal candidate for surgery, collagen, which is a “filler material”, became popular choice for wrinkle treatments. Collagen can effectively fill out areas of depression or redundant facial folds. Collagen cannot, however, treat the underlying cause of a deep wrinkle: muscle tension that pulls the skin inward.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Over-activity of facial muscles can produce marked expression lines or wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections relax the muscles. The intent of BOTOX® Cosmetic therapy is to decrease muscle movement in order to reduce the formation of deep lines or creases. When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into a muscle that is causing wrinkling of the skin, the overlying skin will temporarily become quite smooth resulting in a more youthful appearance
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment painful?
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment consists of a series of skin injections through a very small needle. There is moderate discomfort for the short injection period and slight “tenderness to the touch” may occur at treated areas for 24 to 48 hours. Redness and/or swelling are typically minimal. BOTOX® Cosmetic patients can reasonably expect to return to work or attend social engagements immediately following their treatment.
When will I notice a
difference and how long does it last?
The full effect of BOTOX® Cosmetic is usually not apparent for five to ten days after the treatment. The duration of the BOTOX® Cosmetic effect varies with each individual. BOTOX® Cosmetic is usually metabolized in approximately four to six months. Patients may choose to have maintenance treatments. The interval between re-treatments may increase with ongoing maintenance treatments. Some patients can be maintained on yearly treatment sessions.
What can I expect during and
after BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
The procedure involves injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic in the area to be treated with a very tiny needle. The actual treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment requires no recovery time and has a very low incidence of side effects. The most common side effect is bruising at the injection site, but this is uncommon, minimal and temporary.
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to reduce frown lines on rare occasions may temporarily cause eyelid drooping. In the rare case when this occurs, it is typically noticed in the first week or two after treatment and usually resolves within four weeks. If eyelid droop occurs, a medication may be prescribed to help alleviate this temporary condition.
BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments at Redding
Dermatology
Dr. Kraffert has been using BOTOX® Cosmetic in his practice with great success. He has attended seminars with the pioneer of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, Alastair Carruthers, M.D., a dermatologist from Vancouver, and Dr. Richard Glogau, M.D., a dermatologist from San Francisco. Dr. Kraffert offers other non-surgical procedures in the treatment of facial wrinkles. These include collagen injections, chemical peels, and a wide array of high quality skin care products.
Craig Kraffert, M.D.
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