What Is Botox® ?
Botox® is the brand name of a botulinum toxin that acts as a muscle relaxer if it is injected into a muscle. Cosmetic surgeons use it to eliminate frown lines and other facial wrinkles.
How Are Botox® Treatments Performed?
Your cosmetic surgeon will give you several tiny injections with a very fine needle, directly into the muscle. The exact number and location of the injections will depend on your particular wrinkles and face. Your doctor will be able to tell from your wrinkles which of the tiny muscles around the eye need to relax. The Botox® injection actually paralyzes the muscle.
Botox® injections usually take 10 to 15 minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office.
Am I A Candidate for Botox® Treatment?
Botox is FDA-approved for frown lines and can also be used for crow’s feet and for wrinkles across the forehead. It’s important to understand that Botox® does not reverse sun damage. Also, since Botox® injections essentially paralyze the muscles, they are not a good treatment for wrinkles around the mouth.
Recovery and Results
You should see the results of the injections within a couple of days, although it takes a couple of weeks before you see the full effect. The results fade after four to six months, so you will need additional injections to maintain the effect.
Risks of Botox® Treatment
There may be some initial redness or swelling at the injection site. In very rare cases the toxin may spread from the muscle to the rest of your body, so you should call your doctor right away if you notice flu-like symptoms, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or pain in your eye. Allergic reactions are also rare but possible, and may include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Ready for a Consultation?
Dr. McAdoo looks forward to meeting you and to help you understand which, if any of the above procedures is right for you. Â Please call (630) 765-5795 to schedule an appointment today or leave us your contact information and we will get back to you within 1 business day.