BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.
Applications for BOTOX Cosmetic
Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been "extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies."
BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure and Results
Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
Side Effects of BOTOX Cosmetic
Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:
- Pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.
Designed For Facial Dynamics
Your face is dynamic—making millions of movements. Repetitive movements like laughing and talking create facial lines called dynamic wrinkles and folds.
Because these areas are mobile, treating facial lines can be difficult. Sometimes fillers can make the treated area look stiff and unnatural when the face is moving.
The RHA® Collection is different. It is designed to be resilient enough to adapt to your dynamic facial movements for a look that’s beautiful at rest and flawless in motion.
Designed for a natural look
Your skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which provides moisture, volume, and structure that help it appear smooth and refreshed. Your skin produces less HA over time as we age. The RHA® Collection uses a gentle manufacturing process to help preserve the natural structure of HA—allowing it to more closely resemble the HA in your skin—for clean beauty.
A collection for your different dynamic needs
These long-lasting fillers can last up to 15 months in dynamic wrinkles and folds and 1 year in lipstick lines. Our provider will customize a treatment plan for your desired goals.
Clinical effectiveness and safety was demonstrated in two 15-month clinical trials for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial folds. For dynamic lipstick lines, 2/3 of people still saw noticeable results at one year.