Cosmetic Benefits of BOTOX®

BOTOX® is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the muscles including spasms. It can also be used to treat migraines, overactive bladder and strabismus. BOTOX® can also be used for cosmetic purposes. For example, it can be used to reduce excess sweating, smooth wrinkles and lift the brow. It is also used to eradicate the frown lines between the eyes. Treatments are among the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in North America. In 2008, almost 2.5 million BOTOX® treatments were performed, and they made up 24 percent of the cosmetic procedures done. How does BOTOX® work? The doctor injects it into the desired facial muscles. Within a few hours, the BOTOX® relaxes the muscles, making them unable to contract. Since wrinkles are caused by the movement of muscles under the skin, the BOTOX® smooths out the wrinkles. It takes several days for the skin above the affected muscles to become smooth. The effects last three months or more. As the agent wears off, the wrinkles reappear. They are generally less noticeable than before, however, because the muscles are being trained to relax. What is BOTOX® used for? BOTOX® is most commonly used to smooth facial wrinkles including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. It can also be used in conjunction with dermal fillers to make lips plumper. BOTOX® prevents the nerves from releasing a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter carries orders to produce sweat, and blocking it thus prevents the sweat glands from making sweat. BOTOX® treatments of primary hyperhidrosis generally last about six months. As the body is covered with sweat glands, shutting off the abnormally active ones in one or two small areas generally does not impair the subject’s health. Who should not have BOTOX®? People in good health are good candidates for BOTOX® treatments, but there are some exceptions. They include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® or Dysport should not use it. People who have had surgery on their face or who currently have a skin infection should not have BOTOX®. People who have trouble swallowing or have weak forehead muscles may need to avoid it as well. Contact Us If you have been dealing with the signs of aging, then contact Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery today to make an appointment.