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 BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. In many cases, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a very
effective method for reducing wrinkles.
BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to smooth wrinkles in the neck and face to create a more youthful appearance. It is especially useful in the eye area. Removing wrinkles from between the eyes can dramatically change a person’s look from one of permanent anger or sadness to one of contentment and restedness. It is also frequently used on the thin wrinkles that surround the eyes (often called “crows feet”) and the mouth, but can also be used in other areas, such as along the chin and jaw.
The solution used in these treatments is made of botulinum A toxin, a purified protein made from botulism bacteria. This solution temporarily paralyzes nerves of the facial muscles so that they cannot contract and cause wrinkles in the area being treated.
BOTOX® Cosmetic may also be helpful in treating migraine headaches, and can be used to decrease excess sweating of the palms and underarms.
If you’re considering BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a facial surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.
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What are some of the most common benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments? |
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BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are unique in that they can be used to remove dynamic wrinkles -- the wrinkles that are produced by facial movement.
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What will happen at the initial consultation? |
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During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to talk to your surgeon about the changes that you’d like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and the risks and limitations involved. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.
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How are the treatments performed? |
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BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are brief and simple. First, the skin is treated with a topical numbing agent, and you may be given a sedative as well. Next, very small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic are strategically injected in different parts of the face. This is accomplished with thin needles that cause very little pain.
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How long do the treatments take? |
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Depending on the number of injections needed, the treatment may take 10 to 30 minutes.
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Where are the treatments performed? |
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BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments can be performed in the doctor’s office or in a surgical suite. Anesthesia is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing agents may be used.
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How much pain is there? |
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There is some discomfort involved with the injections, but the discomfort is slight. The feeling has been likened to an insect bite. After the procedure, there is virtually no pain.
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What can I expect afterward? |
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The results of the procedure are generally visible within 3 to 5 days. Although results vary, the results of an individual treatment last for about 4 to 6 months. The procedure may be repeated and, with each new treatment, the results tend to last longer.
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What is the recovery period like? |
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You’ll probably be able to return to work or home immediately after the procedure. However, care must be taken to keep the head upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the BOTOX® Cosmetic affects only the desired areas.
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people? |
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Most people are very pleased with the results. For long-term results, the procedure will most likely need to be repeated.
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How long do the results last? |
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Although results vary, the results of an individual treatment last for about 4 to 6 months. With each new treatment, the results tend to last longer.
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Ideal candidate: |
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In general, the best candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are:
- Wrinkles in the face or neck
- Knowledgeable about the procedure
- In good physical and psychological health
- Wanting to improve their appearance
- Realistic in their expectations
- Not using marijuana or anabolic steroids
- Not a heavy user of alcohol
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he/she considers you an ideal candidate for this surgery.
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Other important information: |
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This procedure can remove or deter wrinkles by preventing the repeated facial expressions that contribute to their formation. It cannot improve the overall texture of the skin, but procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and dermabrasion can be used to accomplish this. It cannot tighten the facial skin either. Look for face lift and forhead lift for ways to accomplish this.
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Risks: |
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Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases, the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.
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Costs: |
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The national average cost of Botox for 2007 was $501 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Regional averages: New England states: $510 Middle Atlantic states: $502 North Central states: $377 South Central states: $375 and Mountain/Pacific states: $470. These fees do not include operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses. You should ask your surgeon if your needs are medically indicated, in which case the costs may be covered by medical insurance.
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Choosing a doctor: |
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It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in this procedure. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor: |
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- Are the desired results I described realistic?
- Is there an alternative remedy that I should consider as well?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used, if any?
- How much does it cost?
- What is your experience in performing this procedure?
(How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
- What percentage of patients have had significant complications?
(The physician should disclose this information to you.)
- Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again?
(The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
- May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients?
The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
- Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or live.)
- What should I expect after the procedure in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
- Do you offer patient financing?
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Be sure to: |
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- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
- Tell your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), including such natural remedies as Echinacea and St. John’s Wort.
- Carefully follow any instructions the doctor gives you.
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the results. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified dermatologists who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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How do I finance this procedure? |
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Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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Related Articles |
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Please review the following articles for more information on this procedure.
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BOTOX® Cosmetic Related Videos |
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