What is Botox® Cosmetic®?

Botox® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. Botox Cosmetic works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The effects of Botox Cosmetic are usually confined to the injected region; it does not travel throughout the body.

Who is a candidate?

Men and women 18 to 65 years of age.

How long does it last?

Botox Cosmetic lasts up to four months.

How is it used?

Using a very tiny needle, small amounts of Botox Cosmetic are injected into the muscles to be relaxed. Depending on the areas being treated, 5 to 15 needle pricks (or more) may be required. Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds. An ice pack or anesthetic cream can be requested if desired.

Are there side effects?

The most common side effects are headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Botox Cosmetic should not be used if there is an infection at the injection site.

Botox Cosmetic in Combination With Facial Surgery

BOTOX Cosmetic injected in conjunction with nearby facial surgery has caused unwanted facial weakness in at least one patient. For this reason, we will inject BOTOX Cosmetic only as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

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*BOTOX® Cosmetic is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.

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