Botox

Botox® Cosmetic has become a more common and popular non-surgical treatment to rejuvenate and enhance the face. In many cases, it corrects wrinkles and lines on the face without the need for surgery. Although it has temporary results, lasting an average of 3-6 months, it provides patients with almost instant correction and without any downtime. For some patients, Botox® Cosmetic is another way of “…trying on a brow lift.”

HOW IT WORKS

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions underneath the facial skin like the ones shown above. These muscles control facial expression, helping us smile, laugh, and frown. These muscles may stay slightly active all of the time, causing worry lines. Botox® Cosmetic relaxes these muscles, smoothing the overlying skin. Untreated muscles are unaffected, allowing normal contraction to occur as part of facial expression.

Botox® Cosmetic is the brand name for botulism toxin type A, a naturally occurring protein which blocks nerve impulse conduction to muscle. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a registered trademark of the Allergan Corporation.

WHERE BOTOX® COSMETIC IS USED
Botox® Cosmetic is primarily employed to treat the upper third of the face. Forehead lines, the vertical lines between the eyebrows, and the so-called "crow's feet" lines around the eyes are all effectively treated.

Before Botox

After Botox

Botox can also help eliminate the long, horizontal lines that can form across the forehead, as seen above. In addition, lines around the mouth and creases over the chin may also respond to Botox® Cosmetic injection. Other areas include the masseter muscles around the jaw, which can make the face appear wider or more square, as well as prominent muscles in the neck.

BEFORE AND AFTER of BOTOX TO NARROW THE LOWER FACE (MASSETERS)

 Before (left) and After (on right) Botox to the Masseter Muscles to narrow the lower face 

HOW LONG BOTOX® COSMETIC LASTS
The effects of Botox® Cosmetic are temporary. Most patients have excellent results lasting between 3-6 months. Since each individual is unique, the duration of results can only be determined by averaging after several treatments. The procedure can be repeated and some clinical studies have indicated that the effects of Botox® Cosmetic last longer with repeated treatments.

SIDE EFFECTS of BOTOX® COSMETIC
Botox® Cosmetic is a safe, FDA-approved medication. The most comon side effect is occasional temporary bruising, which can be immediately covered with make-up. The occurrence and degree of bruising is dependent on each patient and her or his response to tissue change. Botox® Cosmetic can migrate to the wrong muscle, causing temporarily uneven brows or droopy eyelids. With a skilled surgeon trained in facial plastic surgery who understands the underlying anatomy of the face, the likelihood of this side effect is less than 1%.

BOTOX® COSMETIC RESULTS
Most patients who undergo Botox® Cosmetic treatment desire a younger, refreshed appearance free from looking angry or tired. Others use Botox® Cosmetic as preventative therapy to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming. Wrinkles and lines that are not caused by muscle tension will not be affected by Botox® Cosmetic. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTOX 

Request a Consultation by filling out the form below or by calling 626-447-3223 to speak with Dr. Chow about what treatment is best for you.