Botox
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Smile, laugh, frown, and make all the facial expressions you want and stop worrying about wrinkles! After years of squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking, and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the forehead often develops deep lines and wrinkles. These lines are called "expression lines." Until now, this type of wrinkle has been difficult to treat. Expression lines may often make you look older, tired, or stressed. Now, by utilizing this FDA approved muscle-relaxing agent, expression lines can be significantly reduced.

What is BOTOX®
BOTOX® is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade, it has been used effectively to remove facial wrinkles and has been found to be extremely safe.

How BOTOX® is Used
Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) and on the outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle contractions create "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, BOTOX® is injected through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these contractions. BOTOX® essentially impedes the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the BOTOX® injected, but this only lasts approximately five to seven seconds. The entire treatment is performed in the physician's office and takes 10 to 15 minutes, after a topical numbing cream is applied.

Are you a BOTOX® Cosmetic Candidate?
Ideal BOTOX® Cosmetic candidates skin treatment are those who wish to see an improvement in their facial lines and wrinkles, but either do not wish to commit to a facial surgery, or simply cannot tolerate surgery. There are some minimal side effects that have been noted with BOTOX® treatment, but these usually go away very quickly. Pregnant women are advised to avoid treatment, as the effect on the fetus is not yet known, and patients with certain neurological disorders are not considered good candidates.

Health Concerns
BOTOX® has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of years and exhibits very few side effects. Although it causes a temporary paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve, so numbness does not occur. Immediately after the treatment, BOTOX® can spread slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping of surrounding muscles. Because of this, patients should avoid rubbing the treated area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping does occur, the surrounding muscles return to normal with time. In very rare instances, bruising may occur. Patients who are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a neurological disease should refrain from having this procedure performed.