What is Botox?

Botox® is a purified, protein, used to block nerve impulses and temporarily relax muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox® has been available for since 1989 and approved for cosmetic use in 2002. It is approved in over 75 countries for numerous uses. It is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and the world.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is primarily used for treatment of wrinkles. Only dynamic wrinkles may be treated with Botox®. These are wrinkles that become apparent with active facial movement.

The areas commonly treated with Botox® for wrinkles are:

- Glabellar (“frown lines” between the eyes)
- Forehead creases
- Crows Feet (wrinkles around the eyes particularly noticeable when smiling)
- Upper neck banding (“turkey gobble”)
- Lateral mouth frown (corners of the mouth)
- Brow lifts (to give the eyebrows a more youthful appearance)
- Smokers lip lines

Describe what a Botox treatment is like.

A Botox treatment consists of a series of injections into the area in which you, the client, wants to relax. Typically the entire procedure will last between 5-10 minutes. The discomfort is minimal. There will be small bumps at the injection sites which last for at most 15 minutes.

After a procedure, what should I do?

A client should actively move the muscles injected so as to promote absorption of the Botox. The areas injected should not be rubbed, and a hat should not be worn for at least 2 hours. Also strenuous physical activity must be restricted for those first 2 hours as well.

When will I see the results and how long will they last?

There will be no results seen until 36-48 hours. At that time, you will start to see the effects. In some clients, this can take up to 5 days. Complete results will be apparent in 7-10 days. Results will last for 3-6 months, with most clients getting about 4 months of effect. As the Botox wears off, you will gradually see return of the muscle function, and return of the wrinkles. For best results, it is encouraged to get repeat Botox treatments before the prior treatment’s effects are complete worn off.

How about use for migraines or TMJ headaches?

Clients who have headaches, particularly in the forehead, can have marked improvement with Botox injections. Frequently these headaches are the result of excessive tension in the muscles of the forehead and Botox relaxes these muscles. In fact, people with tension from TMJ can benefit from Botox injections as well.