Botox
Treatment

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable wrinkle muscle relaxer. It uses botulinum toxin type A, specifically OnabotulinumtoxinA, to temporarily paralyze muscle. This reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles. A Botox treatment is minimally invasive. It’s considered a safe, effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. It can also be used on the forehead between the eyes.

​

Preparing for Botox Cosmetic
 

Botox Cosmetic involves a nonsurgical, in-office treatment. It requires minimal preparation. You should let your treatment provider know about your medical history, allergies, or medical conditions before your procedure. You might need to remove all your makeup and cleanse the treatment area before the procedure. You may also need to avoid blood-thinning medicine like aspirin to reduce the risk of bruising.

​

What areas of the body can be treated with Botox Cosmetic?
 

Cosmetically, the injectable can be used in the following areas:

• the area between the eyebrows (glabellar region), to treat moderate to severe frown lines

• around the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet lines

​

How does Botox Cosmetic work?
 

Botox Cosmetic works by temporarily blocking nerve signals and muscle contractions. This improves the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and between the eyebrows. It can also slow the formation of new lines by preventing contraction of facial muscles.

​

It’s a minimally invasive procedure. It doesn’t involve incisions or general anesthesia. If you’re concerned about pain or discomfort, a topical anesthetic or ice can numb the treatment area.

​

During the procedure, we will use a thin needle to administer 3-5 injections of botulinum toxin type A. They will inject the targeted area between the eyebrows. You will usually need three injections on the side of each eye to smooth out crow’s feet.

​

The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.

​

Are there any risks or side effects?

Minor bruising or discomfort may occur, but should improve within a few days. Other side effects may include:

• swelling or drooping in the eyelid area

• tiredness

• headache

• neck pain

• double vision

• dry eyes

• allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or asthma symptoms
   

Risks and side effects
 

People generally tolerate Botox injections well, and side effects are uncommon.

​

However, depending on the reason for the injections and the person’s response,

Botulinum toxin can cause some unwanted effects, including:

• dry eye, following cosmetic uses

• an upset stomach

• numbness

• mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site

• a headache

• temporary eyelid drooping

• temporary unwanted weakness or paralysis in nearby muscles

• urinary problems after treatment for urinary incontinence

• a worsening of neuromuscular disorders

• spatial disorientation or double vision after treatment for strabismus

• corneal ulceration after treatment for blepharitis

• cardiovascular events, such as arrhythmia and myocardial infarction

​

People should not use Botox if they have:

• a sensitivity or allergy to it

• an infection at the injection site