BOTOX® Cosmetic
Botulinum toxin type A injections (BTXA), often referred to by the product names BOTOX® Cosmetic (Allergan), are biological toxins (botulinum toxin type A) that are processed and purified to produce a sterile therapeutic neuromuscular blocking agent suitable for injection. They act by temporarily relaxing the treated muscles which causes a smoothing effect of the lines on the overlying skin by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. BTXA is most effective in treating the lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction during facial expressions such as frowning or squinting. These include the “Bunny” lines, “11” lines, or “Worry Crease” in the central forehead (glabella), the horizontal lines of the forehead, as well as the “Crow’s Feet” (lateral canthal) lines.
You will consult directly with Dr.Naveen and receive an individualized treatment plan from him, tailored to your needs, goals, and budget. Dr. Naveen has found BOTOX® Cosmetic to be very reliable and predictable, with a gradual onset of effect (3-5 days).
Dr. Naveen will inject the BTXA directly into the muscles in the chosen areas in a series of injections with extremely small needles. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to perform and the expression lines in the treatment areas will usually appear noticeably softer within a few days. While most patients are very pleased with the results, they are however not permanent and generally last for approximately three to four months. Generally, optimal results for smoothing the wrinkles/lines is seen after cumulative (repeated) injections, followed by maintenance. A minimum period of three (3) months should be waited between injections of BTXA to avoid the development of immunity to the product. Dr. Naveen will personally advise you as to the recommended treatment, as well as maintenance program, that he individualizes for you.
Benefits:• No downtime. Patients can immediately resume normal activities, although exercise/exertion should be avoided for 4-6 hours after treatment.
• Long experience has proven BTXA to be safe. To date, no systemic complications associated with BTXA injections have been documented.
• Treatment is reversible within several months.
• May be beneficial for treatment of migraine headaches.
• BOTOX® injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of wrinkles. The effects last from 4- 6 months and require repeat treatments to maintain results.
• Possible side effects include local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during injection. Some patients have reported temporary headache and nausea.
• Since flu-like symptoms are a rare, but possible side effect of BOTOX® injections, you should avoid receiving a flu shot (vaccination) within one week of treatments.
• Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.
• Most complications are of short duration and can be avoided with proper injection techniques.
• A small percentage of patients are reported to experience no improvement at all.