BOTOX cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A few tiny injections - and within days there's a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between the brows which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.

How Many Injections will I need?

The number of injections depend on the amount of area being treated. Side effects of Botox injections are minimal. Because the protein does not affect the nerves there is no numbness in the area of the injections and muscles related to other facial expressions are rarely affected.

What are the side effects?

One or two patients in a hundred may experience a temporary drooping in the eyelid but this usually goes away in a week or two. Slight bruising can also occur around the injection sites, which can usually be covered with make-up. Some patients may also experience a mild headache for a while.

Will I see an immediate improvement?

The effects of the injections are not seen for about 3 or 4 days and will not be complete for about two weeks. Repeat injections may be recommended every 3 to 4 months during the first year to keep the muscles blocked and to allow the skin to smooth out.

Can any of my medicines interact with BOTOX?

Be sure that Dr. Benjamin knows the names of all the medicines you are using, including:

• Antibiotics used to treat infections, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin
• Medicines used to treat hearth rhythm problems, such as quinidine
• Medicines used to treat different conditions, such as myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer's disease

As with all prescription medicines, you should also notify us if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal products. This is not a complete list of medicines that can interact with BOTOX Cosmetic.

Are there creams that work better than BOTOX?

Topical creams only work on the surface of the skin.  BOTOX works on the muscles underneath the skin that cause lines and wrinkles to form.

Who uses BOTOX?  Is it just for the rich and famous?

According to a recent study:

Working mothers between the ages of 40 to 55 are the most common users of BOTOX Cosmetic.
Those with annual incomes of $100,000 or less were more likely to use BOTOX than those whose incomes were $150,000 or more.

If I stop using BOTOX, will my wrinkles come back?

The effects of BOTOX can last up to 4 months however, when it wears off, your face will look as it did before treatment. Most people have regular injections about 2-3 times year.

Do men use BOTOX?

Men make up 10% of all BOTOX users.

Does BOTOX leave light colored spots on dark skin?

Since BOTOX works on the underlying muscles it can be used with varying skin types and color types.

Precautions

You should not use BOTOX if you:

• Have an infection where BOTOX Cosmetic will be injected
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX Cosmetic 
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

Only a well qualified doctor can decide if BOTOX Cosmetic is right for you. 

Before starting treatment, make sure to inform Dr. Benjamin if you:

• Have any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles.  These diseases may increase your chance of side effects with BOTOX Cosmetic treatment
• Are breastfeeding
• Are planning to become pregnant soon

Pre-Op Instructions

Here's what you will expect at the office from the moment you arrive until our procedure is done:

The Day of Your Appointment

• Allow time before your appointment for filling out forms
• You may be also asked about your expectations for treatment and if you have any allergies or any condition that wouldn't make you a good candidate for BOTOX Cosmetic

No anesthesia is required, Dr. Benjamin may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream.

The Procedure

Dr. Benjamin will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. The entire BOTOX cosmetic injection procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

After the Procedure

There's no recovery time needed. You're ready to get on with your day!

Immediately after your treatment, you may notice temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically disappear in less than seven days. Cold compresses may be used immediately after your treatment to reduce swelling. If the inconvenience continues beyond two to three days or if other reactions occur, call us at 310.275.5533. 

• Until any initial redness and swelling have disappeared, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sunlamp or sunbathing)
• Avoid touching the treated area within six hours of your treatment.  After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water.
• Avoid exercise and alcohol for six hours after your treatment

Seeing Results

Within days, you may notice an improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.