With a reputation that precedes itself, BOTOX Cosmetic is a proven, internationally recognized, non-surgical treatment that targets unwanted wrinkles and creases between the eyebrows. BOTOX Cosmetic is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a safe, quick, and affordable means of removing those pesky laugh lines, forehead creases, and other premature facial wrinkles.

No matter your age, gender, or how much effort you put into caring for your skin, the daily contraction of muscle tissue tied to emotional expression (i.e. smiling, frowning, etc) will inevitably start leaving wrinkles in their wake. To prevent this, you can either refrain from expressing emotion (silly not to mention, impossible) or give injectable BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments a try. BOTOX Cosmetic effectively relaxes the muscle tissue in the face, thereby limiting its pull on the skin's surface and smoothing out any wrinkles around and between your eyes and up into your forehead.

The typical BOTOX Cosmetic procedure rarely takes more than 10 minutes, involves several simple injections, and can provide results that last four months or more.

Best Candidates for Cosmetic Botox

The treatment usually shows the best results with patients between the ages of 27-48. Patients with deeper lines and less skin elasticity may want to consider an alternative, non-surgical procedure such as Thermage, Threadlift, and Titan.

Ideal BOTOX Cosmetic candidates skin treatment are those who wish to see an improvement in their facial lines and wrinkles, but either do not wish to commit to a facial surgery, or simply cannot tolerate surgery. There are some minimal side effects that have been noted with BOTOX treatment, but these usually go away very quickly. Pregnant women are advised to avoid treatment, as the effect on the fetus is not yet known, and patients with certain neurological disorders are not considered good candidates.

While the majority of BOTOX patients are women, many men are seeking the treatment as well. BOTOX injections for men are a very subtle way to improve the appearance of the face, and as the procedure takes so little time, a busy man can conceivably have the procedure done on his lunch break and head right back to the office.

Reasons for Botox Cosmetic

While BOTOX Cosmetic utilizes minute amounts of the botulinum toxin to help instigate the wrinkle removal process, the treatment is FDA approved and much safer and less invasive than most surgical face-lift procedures.

The main potential benefit of BOTOX injectable skin treatments is the chance to take years off of your facial appearance by eliminating frown lines, crow's feet, and other minor facial wrinkles. There have been very few potential risks of BOTOX that have come to light thus far, though pregnant women, patients suffering from neurological disorders, and people taking certain medications and antibiotics are not considered good candidates for the procedure.

What Botox Can Do

BOTOX Cosmetic is an injectable agent used to temporarily diminish or eliminate lines and wrinkles on the face by relaxing underlying facial muscles. It is derived from botulinum toxin type A, a bacterium-produced neuromuscular toxin that can be deadly in a pure state. BOTOX Cosmetic contains a highly diluted form of the toxin and has been proven safe. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved BOTOX botulinum toxin treatment for alleviating eye-muscle disorders and smoothing frown lines. This exceptional treatment is often used in conjunction with facial plastic surgery procedures such as a face lift or eyelid lift to maximize its cosmetic benefit.

Preparing for Botox Fillers

There is little involved in preparing for a BOTOX treatment, other than being upfront and honest with your physician when you initially discuss the treatment. Sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime procedure" because of the short amount of time needed for the injections, BOTOX Cosmetic treatments require very little preparation or recovery time.

Botox Procedure Overview

After your physician discusses with you which of your facial muscles will need injection, your BOTOX Cosmetic treatment will consist of your physician injecting very small amounts into the areas to be treated. BOTOX injectable skin treatments are very quick, and are often referred to as a "lunchtime" procedure as the entire treatment takes approximately an hour to complete.

Botox Results

The BOTOX Cosmetic results usually last between three to six months, though results will vary based on the patient and the area injected.

Recovery After Botox

Recovery following BOTOX treatment is usually very brief, and you will be able to resume most normal activities immediately. It is recommended that you do not lie down for several hours after the procedure, and that you refrain from massaging the treated area or participating in particularly strenuous activities for 24 hours.

Possible Botox Risks

Botox risks and side effects have always been the main concern keeping people from receiving botox cosmetic treatments. Botox is considered safe and effective, but possible Botox side effects and Botox risks can still occur.

Health problems and other adverse conditions can lead to Botox risks and Botox side effects, which is why it is imperative for patients to account every medical or health problem they have when it is time to consult a cosmetic surgeon.

Risks and Complications of Botox:

• Temporary headache
• Temporary Nausea
• Mild tingling or numbness around the treated area
• Minimal bruising or swelling around the treated area
• Allergic reaction to Botox injection
• No effect after undergoing the treatment
• Flu-like symptoms
• Temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows

Botox risk can be due to the adverse effects of the toxin on the current health conditions and medications of patients:

• Adverse reaction of certain herbal medicines, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, Alzheimer's disease and heart disease drugs can cause side effects and other health issues if not accounted properly during a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon.
• Patients with neuromuscular disorders should not be given Botox injections.
• Pregnant or nursing women should avoid Botox treatment.

Botox side effects can be reduced by choosing a certified cosmetic surgeon to administer the Botox injection. Proper Botox injection techniques should be adhered to prevent the patient from experiencing these Botox risks.

Alternative Botox Uses:

Botulinum toxin, the active agent in BOTOX Cosmetic injections, was used to treat a wide range of maladies long before it was used as a cosmetic enhancement. Learn more about the different uses and applications for this product.

• BOTOX Treatment for Excessive Sweating
• BOTOX Cosmetic and Treatment for Chronic Pain
• BOTOX Treatment for Muscle Spasms and Jaw Pain
• BOTOX Cosmetic and Jaw Tension
• BOTOX Treatment for Migraine Headache