BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic, sometimes called "a facelift in a bottle," is a purified subtype of botulinum toxin that is used to eliminate or reduce wrinkles of the face and neck. It is most effective for wrinkles that are visible when smiling, laughing, raising the eyebrows or for crow's feet around the eyes.
These wrinkles are called "dynamic" and tend to be much less noticeable when your face is completely relaxed. It also works well for bands in the neck.
The best candidates for the procedure are those between ages of 25 and 65. In many cases, wrinkles in people over 65 are "static" and do not change when relaxing the face. Other procedures would work better for these patients. Each person is different however, and should be evaluated by Dr. Bull to find the most effective treatment plan.
The procedure works by weakening the facial muscles beneath the skin that cause wrinkles when contracted.
BOTOX® Cosmetic works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles causing them to relax. This results in a smooth, unwrinkled look.
The injections are very small and done with a tiny needle that causes minimal discomfort, but Dr. Bull will apply a numbing cream to your skin to make the injections nearly painless if you desire. The pressure sensation associated with the injection goes away very quickly and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. Dr. Bull recommends avoiding exercise, heavy lifting and alcohol for 24 hours.
Also avoid massaging the injected area the first day. The treatment takes three to eight days to take full effect which sometimes can be hastened by contracting the facial muscles. The results usually last from three to 5 months.
There are a few risks associated with the injections but are temporary. These include bruising, mild headache, heavy eyelids (ptosis), allergic reaction, flu like syndrome, respiratory infection and nausea. Most of these are rare and resolve with time. If a headache develops, usually it will resolve with Tylenol.
As the BOTOX® Cosmetic wears off the wrinkles begin to reappear but frequently they are not as deep or noticeable. To maintain the smooth, youthful appearance year round, it requires three to four injections. With repeat treatments, the effects tend to last longer thus requiring fewer injections.
Dr. Bull is a Chicago plastic surgery specialist. From his offices in Naperville, he helps Chicago tummy tuck, rhinoplasty facelift, breast augmentation and liposuction patients obtain beautiful and natural cosmetic surgery results.
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