How Does BOTOX^® Cosmetic Work?

The 11's — those vertical lines that appear between your brows — actually result from powerful muscle contractions. When you concentrate or frown, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold. After years of frequent contraction, those creases can linger even after the muscles have relaxed.

BOTOX Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a purified protein that is administered in a simple, nonsurgical procedure to temporarily reduce those moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. With 97% of surveyed patients satisfied with their results and millions of procedures performed, BOTOX is the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States and one of the most popular at Hedden Plastic Surgery & Spa Greystone.

Nonsurgical Treatment with No Downtime

BOTOX Cosmetic is administered during a simple, 10-minute treatment. Very low doses of BOTOX are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles responsible for the frown lines between the brows. By blocking the release of the chemical that causes these muscles to contract, BOTOX enables them to relax, so the skin appears smoother.

Often called a "lunchtime procedure," a BOTOX treatment is brief and requires no recovery. No anesthesia is required, though the treated area may be numbed with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting.

Visible Results for Up to 4 Months

Within 1 to 2 days, you may notice a softening in the appearance of your frown lines. The area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a month. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months, though your own results may vary.

With BOTOX, you won't look like you've had work done. The muscle activity that causes frown lines is simply reduced, so you can still show expression — smile, frown or look surprised — but without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

Men and women of varying ethnicities and skin types have been successfully treated with BOTOX. Because it works only on the underlying muscles, you needn't be concerned that it will affect your skin color or texture.

Will I Experience any Side Effects?

The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, injection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction or other reactions, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call our office immediately. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

For more on the potential risks and side effects of Botox, please refer to the BOTOX Medication Guide.

Is BOTOX Right for You?

The best way to determine if treatments with BOTOX Cosmetic are right for you is to request your complimentary consultation with one of the physicians at our Birmingham, Alabama cosmetic center. Just call 205-DRBOTOX (205-372-6869) or email Hedden Plastic Surgery & Spa Greystone today!