Jaime Vasquez

Botox ® Cosmetic

Botox Cosmetic smoothes away wrinkles, frown lines and crows' feet to reduce the effects of aging on the skin. It is a simple, non-surgical chemical injection into the facial muscles that is increasing in popularity and is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Botox refers to botulinium toxin, and is used when someone wants a more relaxed look to the face. Botox is injected into facial wrinkles and temporarily paralyzes and smoothes them making depressions appear to be filled. Results can normally be seen in 5 to 7 days and can last as long as four months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox Cosmetic?

How does it work?

How long does it take to get results?

How long do results last with Botox Cosmetic?

Are the treatments painful?

Are there people who should not use Botox Cosmetic?

What are the side effects?

Will my facial expressions be natural?

What happens to my frown lines if I stop treatments?

What do treatments cost?

Does everyone have the same results with Botox Cosmetic?

What is Botox Cosmetic?

Botox Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows of people from 18 to 65 years of age. The Botox Cosmetic substance is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. During treatment, very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are administered with a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause stubborn lines. A treatment takes approximately 10 minutes and no recovery time is needed. Although results vary, you should see an improvement in a few days that lasts for up to 4 months.

How does it work?

Muscle activity, over time, causes the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows to form. With the injection of Botox Cosmetic directly into muscles, the nerve impulses to treated muscles are blocked. This reduces the activity of the muscles that cause persistent lines to form.

How long does it take to get results?

You will probably see improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines within days. Lines will continue to improve for up to a month and improvements will last for up to four months. Although results may vary, nearly 90% of the men and women involved in clinical trials rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment.

How long do results last with Botox Cosmetic?

Results from Botox Cosmetic treatments can last for up to four months. If you decide to discontinue treatments, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.

Are the treatments painful?

Any discomfort during Botox Cosmetic treatments is usually minimal and brief. Depending on the area being treated, it can be treated in advance with a cold pack or numbing cream. Most people are able to return immediately to normal activity or work following a treatment. A treatment usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes.

Are there people who should not use Botox Cosmetic?

No one should use Botox Cosmetic in the case of an infection at the proposed injection sites. Additionally, it is not recommended for individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring (<3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.

Will my facial expressions be natural?

Botox Cosmetic treatments should not radically change your facial appearance or make it seem that you've had surgical work done. Still the results are visible. Although the muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is reduced, you can still frown or look surprised without wrinkles and creases between your brows.

What happens to my frown lines if I stop treatments?

When treatment is discontinued, the moderate to severe frown lines treated will gradually return to the appearance they had before you began treatment.

What do treatments cost?

Botox Cosmetic is considered quite affordable when compared to other facial options. Botox Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the U.S., according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey. Dr. Vasquez will discuss costs based on the areas of treatment and your expectations. This will enable you to make a decision as you would for any appearance related investment such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening or chemical peels.

Does everyone have the same results with Botox Cosmetic?

Everyone is an individual, and results can vary. It is important, however, that you select a knowledgeable doctor who is experienced in administering Botox Cosmetic. The Vasquez Clinic focuses on aesthetics and anti-aging treatments including Botox Cosmetic. Dr. Vasquez's ability includes a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and experience with Botox.

For additional information of Botox Cosmetic, click here.