How does Botox work?
Botox reversibly blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Botox does not directly act on the nerve or the muscle itself, but has the effect of relaxing the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
What exactly is Botox?
Botox (Botulinum toxin A) is a purified biological protein that is produced by Allergan pharmaceuticals, under rigorous laboratory conditions, by the growth of Clostridium Botulinum bacterium. Botox is then diluted to an extremely weak solution before being used. It's unique protein composition can prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Are Botox treatments safe?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for over twenty years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurological disorders. It is now the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure around the world, and it is also known to be the safest.
What is the treatment like?
Botox is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny micro-needle, a small amount of Botox is precisely injected into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the discomfort is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.
Are there any side effects?
Dr. Weiss has been using Botox since 1989 and has never seen a lasting or serious side effect, even with repeated injections. Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. In some cases, the toxin can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In rare cases, there can be a temporary drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Your doctor will discuss this with you at length before your treatment. Because the effects of Botox are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.
What results can I expect?
If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, Botox treatments can smooth these out and give you a more youthful and pleasant appearance. However, this procedure cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin since they are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. Botox injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift, brow lift or eyelid surgery.
What are the limitations of Botox injections?
The effects of Botox injections are temporary, lasting from three to six months. If you like the results of the treatments, you will need to have injections about two to three times a year. The duration of effect varies form patient to patient and may be less effective for those over 65 years of age.
What is the difference between Botox and filler injections?
Cosmetic injectable fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast, Radiesse) improve the appearance of deeper, discrete wrinkles by filling in the depression. Botox is not a filling substance, but reduces the motion of the underlying muscles, reducing or eliminating the overlying wrinkles.
How can I find out if I am a candidate for Botox?
If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if Botox treatments might work well for you, please call our office at 949-720-1400 and schedule a consultation with the doctor.