BOTOX cosmetic treatment is an FDA-approved, doctor-administered procedure used to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe vertical frown lines (glabellar lines, a.k.a. “the 11’s”) between the eyebrows.
Who uses BOTOX cosmetic treatment?
Most frequently adult men and women ages 18 to 65 use this injectable. (Some cosmetic surgeons suggest that if individuals are in good health, they can undergo BOTOX injections well into their 80s. But FDA findings noted that subjects 65 years of age or older showed a lower rate of response than candidates under 65 to BOTOX cosmetic treatment for smoothing out wrinkles on certain areas of the face.
How is BOTOX cosmetic treatment administered?
BOTOX cosmetic treatment is administered via tiny injections. The procedure should be done only by a licensed and trained physician. Your doctor determines where to administer the injections based on the location, size and use of the muscles that create the undesirable vertical frown lines in individual patients.
How long before BOTOX cosmetic treatment works and how long does it last?
Patients usually see a marked improvement in severe vertical frown lines between their brows within days, with continued improvements for up to a month. Results can last for up to four months before a follow up treatment is needed.
How long does a BOTOX cosmetic treatment take?
BOTOX cosmetic treatments typically take about 10 minutes.
Are BOTOX cosmetic treatments painful?
BOTOX cosmetic treatments cause minimal and brief discomfort. Doctors may numb the injection site with a cold pack or anesthetic cream to help minimize discomfort.
What about the safety of BOTOX cosmetic treatment?
Doctors advise that BOTOX cosmetic treatment should not be used in the following instances:
- If you have an infection in a location where the physician plans to inject.
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX cosmetic treatment.
- If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
What should you tell your doctor before BOTOX cosmetic treatment is used?
Only your doctor can decide if BOTOX cosmetic treatment is right for you. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about any diseases affecting your nerves and muscle and if you are breast feeding or you plan to become pregnant soon. Also tell your doctor the names of all medicines you use, including over-the-counter meds and herbal products.
What if you experience side effects after doing a BOTOX cosmetic treatment? Doctors advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop any symptoms after undergoing BOTOX cosmetic treatment. Although rare, serious heart problems and allergic reactions have been reported. Other reported reactions include difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing. The most common side effects following injection include temporary drooping of the eyelid and nausea. In addition, the injection may cause localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding or bruising.
What individuals are at increased risk of experiencing serious side effects from BOTOX cosmetic treatment?
Doctors advise that patients with certain neuromuscular disorders, such as ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease), myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects from using BOTOX cosmetic treatment.
For more information about BOTOX cosmetic treatment, click here.
Last Reviewed: August 8, 2018
