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Take advantage of our ONLINE CONSULTATION to see if
you're a good candidate for Botox® treatment. It's free and quick.
Facial
expression lines develop from the action of the underlying muscles
on the overlying skin. Although these lines help us to convey to
others a range of emotional states, some facial expression lines always
seem
to connote fatigue or anger, even if those appearances do not represent
how we are feeling. This is especially true of lines of the forehead
and between the eyebrows. Other lines, such as crow's feet, may
make us appear older than our chronological age. Dr. Adi Yoskovitch
uses
Botox® to
non-surgically treat undesirable facial expression lines. He has also
lectured on the use of Botox® to other physicians.
What is Botox® ?
Botox® is a FDA approved purified protein
naturally derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It has been
used for more than
20 years to reduce unwanted muscle activity, and is considered safe
and effective. Initially introduced for treatment of ophthalmologic
and neurologic muscular diseases, it is now also used for the cosmetic
reduction of facial expression lines.
What is the cause of wrinkles and
facial expression lines?
As noted above, lines and wrinkles develop, at
least in part, from the action of facial muscles on the overlying skin.
After years,
furrows may remain along these facial expression lines even without
any active facial muscle expression. The development of these lines
is promoted by years of sun exposure, and to a lesser degree, by
smoking. Botox® is capable of preventing the unwanted facial
expression lines and often these lines, even at rest, seem to improve
or disappear.
How does Botox® work?
Botox® acts by producing muscle relaxation
at treated sites. It does this by inhibiting contraction of the targeted
muscles. Only
those muscles producing these undesirable lines are treated.
What areas can you use Botox® for?
Frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's
feet lines and forehead wrinkles are effectively treated with the Botox®
method. Botox® also treats wrinkles
around the mouth and neck. The treatment takes a few minutes and
the Botox® takes effect in three to four days. Patients return to work
or
other activities immediately after treatment.
Does the Botox® Injection hurt?
When Botox® is injected there is a minor
sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually
no discomfort. Usually
Dr. Yoskovitch will have you apply an anesthetic cream to the area you
want injected to help relieve some discomfort.
What kind
of facial lines does it remove?
Prominent facial expression
lines, especially horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical lines
between the eyebrows, and crow's feet are
most dramatically improved with treatment.
How does Botox® compare to other products such as collagen
and filler materials?
Unlike filler materials, Botox® treats
the underlying cause of the facial expression lines. Filler materials,
such as collagen, only
plump up the skin. Although fillers reduce the appearance of lines
when there is no facial expression, the moment the person does smile
or frown, the lines reappear. Botox® actually prevents the unwanted
lines from appearing with facial expression and often even at rest.
How is treatment performed and how many treatments are required?
A small
quantity of solution is injected directly into the muscles that are
the cause of the prominent furrowing or expression lines.
Typically several injections are given with each treatment, and
one or two treatments are usually effective in achieving the muscle relaxation
required to eliminate the unwanted expression lines.
How long do the results of Botox® last?
The muscle relaxation with
Botox® lasts for 3 to 6 months. When
the effect of Botox® wears off or diminishes, (i.e., the muscles
that contribute to these facial expression lines again become active
and the lines gradually reappear) treatment can again be administered.
How
does the skin appear after Botox®?
Immediately after treatment
the skin appears normal or there may be some redness and swelling at
the treated sites. Occasionally, there
can be mild bruising. If present, these changes resolve within
a few hours to days. The skin feels normal and there is no unusual
sensation.
When can I expect to see results after treatment?
Within 48 hours after
treatment reduction in the muscle activity can be noticed. About one
week after treatment the maximal benefit is
attained and continues for a few months.
Are there any limitations after treatment?
No. Immediately after treatment
you may resume all normal activities.
Is there any discomfort with treatment?
There is usually mild discomfort
at the injection sites. This only lasts for a few seconds.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Rarely. If Botox® should affect
an adjacent muscle; it too may have reduced activity. This has been reported
in about one percent
of those treated and if this does develop, the most common change is
eyelid drooping. However, any such unwanted muscle relaxation would
also be temporary. There are no reports of any injury to the eye when
Botox® is administered to the muscles of the forehead.
Can Botox® cause botulism?
No. Extraordinarily small amounts of Botox® are
administered. These quantities are insufficient to cause botulism or
any related
symptoms.
Take advantage of our ONLINE
CONSULTATION to see if you're a good candidate for Botox® treatment.
It's free and quick.
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