Years of squinting and frowning tend to leave deep wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes. On many people, frown lines produce an angry or sad look that detracts from a pleasant facial appearance. Dermatologists can now improve these lines without surgery and without scars by a simple injection of Botox® Cosmetic.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Botox® Cosmetic is botulinum toxin type A, a highly purified protein used to relax muscles. Very tiny amounts of Botox® Cosmetic are injected into a specific facial muscle, causing a local relaxation. Botox® addresses the underlying cause of the unwanted lines and prevents "wrinkly" expressions. Botulinum toxin has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye, eye tics, and uncontrolled blinking. Pioneered by dermatologic surgeons in 1987, the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes evolved after years of safe effective medical use.

What does Botox® Cosmetic help?

Botulinum toxin is used to treat vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, the squint lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes, the forehead horizontal lines, and the platysmal muscle bands (vertical lines) often visible on the neck. It may also be used for eyebrow positioning. Once the muscle is relaxed, it cannot contract. Since there is no way to make the undesirable facial expression, the lines gradually smooth out from disuse, and new creases are prevented from forming. Other muscles like those needed to raise the eyebrows are not affected so a natural expression is maintained. Botulinum toxin is also effective on smoker’s lines around the mouth. The muscle action in this area is needed for expression and important functions like eating, so only slight relaxation is desired. Botox® can also be helpful in softening a pebbly “orange peel” chin, a turned-down mouth, a “gummy” smile, or a square jaw line.

What can I expect?

Treatment involves injection of very small amounts of Botox® Cosmetic into the underlying muscles to immobilize them. The injection is done using an ultra-fine needle and may sting slightly. The length of Botox® appointment depends on the areas being treated; it could be 10 to 30 minutes. Topical anesthesia makes the procedure even more comfortable and is available for purchase at the front desk. It is recommended that topical anesthesia is applied 45 minutes before your appointment. Usually no one can tell you have had the treatment afterwards. Botox® Cosmetic takes effect about 3 to 7 days after treatment. The improvement generally lasts 3 to 6 months during which time the effect gradually fades and muscle action returns. It is anticipated that the average patient will require maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months. Some patients find that with their results last longer with than their initial treatments.

Other Applications

Excessive sweating can be alleviated with injections of Botox® directly into the underarm skin or skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the foot. Sweat glands of the skin are responsible for perspiration and the excessive perspiration that some people have. Botox® blocks the release of the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. A single treatment session can provide months of relief, and experts believe that injections can be repeated indefinitely once or twice a year to maintain dryness.

Side Effects

Side effects are minimal and typically relate to the local injection. Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the injection site. Makeup may be worn after treatment, but care should be taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several hours. In rare instances, a patient may develop temporary weakness of the neighboring muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, or a headache.

How much does a Botox® Cosmetic treatment cost?

The cost varies depending on areas treated, but typically ranges from $300-$700 for treating facial lines. Treatment for excessive sweating requires a higher dose of Botox® and usually costs $1500 or more.