BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism.
Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet lines in adults.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical, injectable treatment performed in one of our treatment rooms by a healthcare professional.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines and crow’s feet—the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting over the years. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into these muscles to temporarily reduce muscle activity. After an injection, you will begin to notice a visible smoothing of your crow’s feet lines and frown lines between your brows.
When will I see results?
You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines, with results lasting up to 4 months.
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic make me look like I’ve had work done?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. It is important to talk to us about the results you want from treatment.
Does BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment hurt?
Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. We may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you are concerned about discomfort, we may apply a topical numbing cream before administering
your treatment.
What are common side effects?
Three percent of patients experienced eyelid drooping in the frown lines studies and 1% of patients experienced eyelid swelling in the crow’s feet studies. Other possible side effects include: dry mouth; discomfort or pain at the injection site; tiredness; headache; neck pain; eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight and dry eyes; and allergic reactions. These are not all of the possible serious side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic.
How many injections will I receive?
For the crow’s feet area, 3 areas of the muscle that frames the side of the eye (orbicularis oculi) will be injected. This will be repeated on the orbicularis oculi muscle on the side of the other eye.
For the frown lines area, there are 5 injections into muscles in your forehead 1 in the procerus muscle and 4 in the corrugator muscles.
How long is the recovery time after treatment?
After your treatment, you can resume your day. There is minimal downtime and we may give you specific aftercare instructions.
Do men receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Yes. BOTOX® Cosmetic has also been clinically evaluated in male patients. In clinical studies for moderate to severe frown lines, 17.5% of patients treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic were men. In the clinical studies for moderate to severe crow’s feet, male patients comprised approximately 12% of patients treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.