BOTOX® Cosmetic

Over time, skin becomes less elastic; repeated frowning creates lines and wrinkles between the brows (also known as glabellar lines). BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States for the 4th year in a row; almost 3.3 million BOTOX® Cosmetic procedures were performed in 2005 alone.

How BOTOX® Cosmetic works
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that smoothes the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. With a few tiny injections, BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out and the lines begin to fade.

The Procedure
The BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure consists of a few tiny injections and takes only 10 minutes. No anesthesia is required; however Dr. Mark may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. There may be minimal and brief discomfort, along with slight temporary bruising at the injection sight which can easily be covered up with make-up. There is no down-time.

Results are typically seen in days and may continue to improve during the first week after treatment. Results may vary. With proper unit dosing, the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic can last up to four months. 89% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their appearance of brow frown lines as moderate to better after one month.

Important Safety Information
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

• Rarely, serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported.
• If you think you’re having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breaking, call your doctor immediately.
• Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
  

What you should know before a BOTOX® Cosmetic procedure
To ensure the best treatment outcome, Dr. Mark should inject 20 units in the glabellar region between the brows – ensure you receive the proper dosage for best results! Dosage amount is not based on the number of syringes used – ask Dr. Mark exactly how many units you are receiving.

Other uses for BOTOX®
BOTOX® can be used for therapeutic and rehabilitative applications, such as a muscle relaxant to relieve pain associated with chronic clenching and grinding of teeth with TMJ Disorder. With TMJ, a BOTOX® injection is often required to relax the jaw muscles prior to surgery.

BOTOX® information courtesy of Allergan, Inc.