Botox® (BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS)

Throughout history, people have looked for ways to achieve a younger, more vibrant look by improving their facial appearance.  A procedure utilizing Botox® (Botulimum Toxin) is used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles.  Botox® has been safely used for certain medical conditions for more than a decade.  This procedure, sometimes referred to as cosmetic denervation, has been widely used and is considered a safe and effective way of treating aging skin.  It is used to eliminate or reduce worry and frown lines, "crow's feet", laugh lines and other wrinkles sometimes called dynamic wrinkles.

The procedure works by physiologically weakening facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to expression lines.  The contractions of those muscles result in wrinkles.  Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles thereby relaxing them.  The result is that the pull of the underlying facial muscles relax causing the skin to flatten.  This results in a smooth, unwrinkled look.

Prior To Treatment

Our physicians may recommend avoidance of alcoholic beverages, anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin one week prior to treatment.

The procedure

A sedative or local anesthetic is not used because the pain associated with the procedure is minimal.  A small amount of discomfort is felt when the needle is inserted and the liquid injected.  This sensation lasts approximately 5 seconds.

Botox® is injected into various locations on the face.  The needle is extremely small and only a tiny amount of liquid is injected at one time.

Following The Procedure

Because there is no sedative or anesthetic used, patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.  It is possible to experience a mild headache after the procedure.  Our physician may recommend acetaminophen if this should occur.  Our physician may also recommend that the patient not lie down for 3 or 4 hours following treatment.  Some facial exercises may be recommended.  The treatment takes three to eight days to take effect.  The benefits will last from three to six months.  A touch-up may be necessary 1 to 2 weeks after the initial treatment.  

When the toxin begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear; however, they frequently are not as deep as the original ones.  It usually takes two or three injections each year to maintain the smooth, youthful appearance that is desired.  Clinical studies suggest that, after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require injections less often.

Possible Side Effects

There are no serious side effects associated with this treatment.  There may be a small amount of bruising around the treated areas; however, this is temporary.  On rare occasions, the needle may puncture a blood vessel which can result in a black and blue bruise around the treated area.  This disappears in a few days.  Another side effect that occurs only rarely is a slight drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid.  Fortunately, when this occurs, it corrects itself in two to three weeks.  There are no other visible signs of the treatment.  Prior to treatment, our physician discusses with each patient the side effects connected with the procedure.

The Best Candidates For The Procedure

The best candidates for the procedure are those between the ages of 30 and 65.  In many cases, wrinkles in people over 65 are not caused by muscle pull but rather by sun damage; however, each person is different and must be evaluated by our physician.  Some wrinkles of the face are not caused by the muscles pulling on the skin and therefore are not disposed to this treatment.  These include wrinkles caused by the structure of the skin which are the result of trauma, scarring, or sun damage.  The procedure works best on the wrinkles appearing in the upper one-third of the face, because its use on the lower two-thirds might cause distortion of a person's smile or facial expression. 

What Results Can Be Expected?

This procedure will smooth wrinkles that are caused by frown and worry lines, "crow's feet, and laugh lines; however, it is not designed to take the place of the standard facelift or other facial surgical procedures.  It is often used in conjunction with other procedures.  

Botox® injections may not be suitable for persons with pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.  Our physician will take a complete medical history to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Botox® treatment, please contact our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.

When should I get my next treatment?

We recommend treatments every three months for the first year. As the muscles atrophy you will require less frequent treatments.

Botox Pre/Post Treatment

• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen-like medications for 1 week before or after treatment.

• Avoid lying down or massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment.

• Do not exercise for 24 hours.

• Exercise the treated muscles.

• If you get a headache (as some people do for a few hours after the treatment), you may take a Tylenol, unless otherwise advised by your physician.

• You may take Arnica tablets if there is any bruising in the site of injections, or if you are prone to bruising.

• You will notice the effect of the Botox in 5 to 10 days.

• Questions for Dr. McBeth will be immediately addressed by e-mail, click here.

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310-858-3011 * 949-646-7336