What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is approved in more than 75 countries and remains the most-studied botulinum toxin and one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. In 2002, the same formulation – under the label BOTOX® Cosmetic – was approved by the US FDA for treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65.
What causes frown lines between the brows?
The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. When powerful muscles between the brows contract, they draw the brows together, causing the skin to fold or furrow. As skin becomes less elastic with age, those folds or furrows result in stubborn lines.
Because frown lines are dynamic lines caused by overactive muscles, they can usually be treated with tiny injections of the BOTOX® Cosmetic. Static lines, on the other hand, are lines that are visible even when the muscles are at rest. These lines are usually treated with a filler, such as JUVÉDERM injectable gel.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles responsible for frown lines between the brows. By blocking the release of a chemical that causes these muscles to contract, BOTOX® Cosmetic enables them to relax. The effects are very localized and, when administered by an experienced physician, do not affect your ability to smile, laugh, or otherwise show expression. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only product of its kind that has been approved for use in this area.
What are the common side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton Syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
Is there any chance of serious side effects with BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, call your doctor immediately.
What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive procedure consisting of a few tiny injections. Your BEST Program doctor will determine exactly where to administer these injections to achieve the best results for you. No anesthesia is required, though we may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, and there is no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.
Will I still be able to make facial expressions?
Although you may see a marked improvement, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic does not make you look like you’ve “had work done.” The muscle activity that causes frown lines is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
How soon will I see a difference?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment, and the appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week. By day 30 in a phase 3 clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months. After that, many patients are ready to return for a follow-up treatment. Your own results may vary – be sure to talk to discuss with your BEST Program doctor about what you can expect.
How do I know if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for me?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 with moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic. Ask your BEST Program doctor if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic expensive?
Actually, it’s quite affordable. Although many people think of BOTOX® Cosmetic as a luxury treatment for the “rich and famous”, recent statistics show otherwise. According to the 2005, ASERF BOTOX® Cosmetic Use Survey, people just like you make up two-thirds of the patient base: Those with annual household incomes of less than $100,000 (44%) were more likely to be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic than those with annual incomes greater than $150,000 (36%).
How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer BOTOX Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product, and each US FDA-approved vial label has the “Allergan” hologram.
Call The BEST Program today at 866-987-2378 to set-up an no-obligation appointment. Alternatively, you can easily schedule a consultation on our contact us page.