Also referred to as onabotulinum toxin A, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a highly purified refined protein complex that, when injected directly into the muscle, will cause relaxation. There are absolutely no live bacteria in the Botulinum Toxon A injection. Produced in a controlled laboratory setting from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, BOTOX® Cosmetic works by blocking the chemical signal that allows for nerve impulses to be sent to the muscle and cause movement.
WHAT IS BOTOX® ?
Dynamic wrinkles are formed by repetitive creasing in the skin, from the facial expressions that we make on a daily basis. Over time these wrinkles can become large, deep and permanent. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by relaxing these muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, so the skin is given a chance to smooth out naturally.
A common misconception is that BOTOX® Cosmetic will completely inhibit facial expression and movement. The goal of a treatment is to soften facial lines, while still providing patients with a natural appearance and the ability to display emotion.
As one of the most recognized prescription products in the world, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a leading procedure in the cosmetic and aesthetics field.
-Currently, BOTOX® Cosmetic is indicated for the treatment of:
• Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines—the area between the eyebrows)
• Upper Facial Wrinkles (Forehead)
• Crow’s Feet (Lateral Canthus—the outer corners of the eyes)
How are BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections Performed?
At Molina Dental, we’ll first perform a facial analysis to determine the exact injection areas based on your anatomy. If you decide to move forward with the treatment, Dr. Molina can perform it immediately following your consultation.
We’ll take some “before” photos so you can see the improvements the treatment makes. BOTOX® Cosmetic comes in a clear glass vial in the form of a vacuum sealed powder. It will be diluted with a sterile, non-preserved 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the doctor will draw it up into a syringe.
We’ll apply a topical numbing agent to your target treatment areas to reduce discomfort caused by the needle. The injections are made using a very fine needle (a 30 gauge), so discomfort is minimal. Just a few tiny pokes are needed per area, and the entire treatment will only take a few minutes.
BOTOX® Recovery and Results
After the treatment, we’ll give you some BOTOX® Cosmetic aftercare instructions to take home with you. The injection site may be a bit red with some slight swelling and/or bruising, but this will subside within a few days. You’ll be able to return to your usual daily activities right away.
BOTOX® Cosmetic results usually take 24 to 72 hours to appear, and final results can take up to two weeks. The results can last on average from 4 to 6 months, and vary from patient to patient. You will notice that gradual movement of the treatment area will return if you do not receive another injection treatment.
Common BOTOX® Treatment Areas
UPPER FOREHEAD LINES
The horizontal lines on the forehead are caused by raising the eyebrows, which is due to the contraction of the frontalis muscle. Raising the eyebrows is often a result of surprise or worry, or simply to gain clearer vision. Those with heavy brows and lids may engage in this motion more often, which can cause wrinkles to form earlier, and be deeper.
CROW'S FEET
A muscle called the orbicularis oculi is what makes it possible for us to blink, close our eyes, and squint. It’s located around the eyelid, and extends to the temple and upper part of the cheek. Years of moving the eyelids and squinting in bright sunlight eventually cause lateral canthal lines, more commonly known as crow’s feet.
FROWN LINES
Who knew such tiny muscles could cause so much trouble? The corrugator supercilii are located in the forehead and around the eyes, and most notably, at the beginning of the eyebrows near the bridge of the nose. Every time we frown or make a confused or worried expression, these tiny muscles contract, causing deep vertical furrows just above the nose.
BOTOX® Side Effects
No medical procedure is without risk. When you receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, possible side effects include, but are not limited to:
• Tiredness
• Discomfort
• Pain at the injection site
• Headache
• Droopy eye
• Allergic reaction
Your injectionist will discuss other possible side effects with you. Before getting BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, make sure you inform your doctor of:
• Any nerve or muscle conditions that you have
• When your last botulinum toxin injection was
• Any allergies
• Current medications, and whether you are planning to take medication in the near future
• Current pregnancy, plans to get pregnant, or current breastfeeding
• Past facial surgery
• Other medical conditions
• Past reaction to BOTOX® Cosmetic or other neurotoxins
• Muscle weakness
