Suite 201
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Tel: 714.230.2430
FACIAL PROCEDURES
Botox Injections
Considering a Botox Injection
Botox is a purified protein toxin produce by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although Botox is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because, for the treatment described, it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.
What is Botox used for?
Injected Botox is primarily used to treat wrinkles. Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. These expressions and lines, are often called frown lines or crow's feet, are due to the contraction of the muscle under the skin area.
How is Botox used?
A few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle that creates a wrinkle. When it is injected into the muscle, it blocks the nerve impulses from reaching that area that are. The muscle then weakens and skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear. The initial injection of Botox may produce a minor stinging, but once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort. Botox does not does not affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of the injection. The effect of Botox is only in the immediate area of the injection.
Where can Botox be Injected?
The most common areas for the use of Botox are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines and the crow's feet. On occasion, some other areas maybe treated as well. Your plastic surgeon can discuss this with you.
Risk Related to Botox
Botox has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area if injection.
How Long Does A Botox Treatment Last?
The effects of Botox usually last three to five months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of Botox may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months.
Maintaining a relationship with your plastic surgeon
You will return to your plastic surgeons office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is complete, many surgeons encourage their patients to come back for periodic check ups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you prior to surgery. Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, feel free to call or talk with your plastic surgeon.
