BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.
Applications for BOTOX Cosmetic
Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies."
BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure and Results
Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
Side Effects of BOTOX Cosmetic
Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.
BOTOX® Cosmetic FAQs
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. BOTOX Cosmetic injections treat moderate-to-severe facial lines and wrinkles that are formed by continual muscle contraction. Treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular physician-performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States.
According to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., "BOTOX Cosmetic is the first and only FDA-approved prescription product that temporarily improves the appearance of both moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows and moderate-to-severe crow's feet in adults."
Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic, which contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract.
Results from BOTOX injections are apparent within 24 to 48 hours, and are maximized by 30 days. Results often last between 3 and 4 months.
Yes; it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.
The manufacturer of BOTOX Cosmetic recommends that injections only be given by a doctor who has experience with BOTOX Cosmetic, and has a "medical practice that focuses on facial aesthetics and offers other facial aesthetic treatments."
Side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary. Possible injection-site side effects include pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising.
Depending on where they are given, cosmetic side effects of BOTOX injections include eyelid drooping and swelling.
