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Featured Procedure

Botox^® Cosmetic Injections

Botox^® was introduced to the world in the late 1980s by ophthalmologists, who began using it to treat optic muscle disorders. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in 2002, and its popularity has soared ever since. Botox^® is consistently one of the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed each year.

In addition to glabellar lines, Botox^® is used to eradicate crow's feet, frown lines, and furrows in the forehead. It is also approved to treat a variety of medical conditions, including ocular muscle spasms, problems with eye coordination, severe armpit perspiration and migraine headaches. Botox^® is being studied to determine if it might be useful in treating conditions such as knee and hip osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How Botox^® Works

Unlike soft tissue fillers that add volume to skin depressions, Botox^® blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine which triggers the muscle contractions that create wrinkles. Botox^® essentially paralyzes the muscles and stops them from contracting. Results are visible within one week after treatment and remain for a up to six months.

Botox^® Side Effects

The most common side effects of Botox^® include headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms and redness and pain at the injection site. Infrequently, patients experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves within days.

The FDA now requires black box labeling on Botox^® to warn of rare but potentially life-threatening complications if the toxin spreads beyond the injection site. None of these complications have occurred in people using Botox^® for cosmetic reasons and the FDA states that cosmetic use of Botox appears to be safe.

Additional Treatments

Your doctor may recommend additional treatments for you to consider in conjunction with Botox^®. These might include dermal fillers, laser hair removal or photofacial skin resurfacing.

Consult a Qualified Doctor About Botox^®

Many types of physicians perform Botox^® injections, including dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons. Botox shots require a precise knowledge of facial anatomy. Your risk of complications increases when Botox injections are performed by unskilled injectors.