Botulinum Toxin / Minimally Invasive Procedure
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
- What is botulinum toxin type A?
Botulinum toxin is a purified substance that's derived from bacteria. Commonly known types of botulinum toxin type A injections include Botox and Dysport.
Injections of botulinum toxin blocks muscular nerve signals, which then weakens the muscle so it can't contract. The end result is diminished unwanted facial wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin can be used to help smooth:
- Crow's feet
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Skin bands on the neck
- Botulinum toxin candidates
Smiling, frowning, squinting, and even chewing – basically any facial movement – can eventually lead to one of the most common signs of aging: wrinkles. They can make you appear tired or even angry when you are not. One of the quickest and safest remedies to remove wrinkles is an injection of botulinum toxin type A.
Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures – such as chemical peels, dermal fillers, or microdermabrasion – to further improve your results. This combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.
- Botulinum toxin before and after results
You may notice results within a few days, but it can take up to a week to see the full effect. This improvement typically lasts about three to four months.
- Botulinum toxin recovery
No anesthesia is required. There is no down time or recovery time for botulinum toxin injections.
- Botulinum toxin risks and safety information
You may resume normal activities immediately.
One note of caution: Don't rub or massage the treated areas after the wrinkle treatment because it can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of your face. If this happens, you could have temporary facial weakness or drooping.
- Your botulinum toxin consultation
During your botulinum toxin consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
Your plastic surgeon may also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Discuss likely outcomes and any risks or potential complications
- Questions to ask my plastic surgeon
- Am I a good candidate for botulinum toxin?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Who will perform the botulinum toxin injections?
- Have they been specifiaclly trained in this procedure?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure or treatment?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect?
- What are the risks and possible complications associated with my procedure?
- How can I expect to look over time?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure
- What results are reasonable for me?
