Repeated movement of facial muscles can cause wrinkles and deep creases, which may make us look like we are frowning, worried, tired, or older than we feel.
Botox (botulinium toxin A) is an extremely diluted neurotoxin, which stops muscles from contracting and diminishes wrinkles, forehead furrowing, and frown lines around the eyes. It can also help lift the eyebrows. Bunny lines on the nose, perioral lip lines, and chin dimples can also be treated. There is a long history of safe use and can temporarily erase years from the face. Results will appear in 2-3 days and may improve for up to one week. Treatments last around 3 months.
Botox is administered by injecting a few drops with a tiny needle into very specific muscles. It then binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and blocks the nerve impulses necessary to make the muscle move. The muscles are only temporarily relaxed enough to eliminate or reduce skin creases caused by movement of the muscle. Very deep wrinkles may require fillers such as Restylane or Radiesse for optimal results.
The procedure lasts a few minutes and can sting or burn during injection. An ice pack may be used prior to injection to numb the treatment area.