How Botox Works

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-0700

How Botox Works American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics show that the non-surgical cosmetic procedures accounted for 83.5% of the total number of procedures and 42% of total expenditures in the U.S. in 2013. Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments designed to remove forehead wrinkles, crow's feet lines, and the lines between the eyebrows. The report also shows that in 2013, it was the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure among both women and men. Last year, up to 766,148 Botox, Xeomin and Dysport injections were administered by expert physicians and 1,088,674 by physician subordinates or nurse injectors.

Safe and easy to handle, Botox (Botulinum toxin) is approved by the FDA. A specific quantity injected into the affected area can smooth out lines and wrinkles. In addition to cosmetic benefits, this therapy has medical benefits too and can relieve migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and muscle contractions in the neck and eye areas.

How the Treatment is Performed The plastic surgeon places the injections in the particular muscles where patients seek to reduce lines, creases and wrinkles. Wrinkles in skin are often formed perpendicular to a contracting muscle located directly beneath the skin surface. For example, in the forehead, the vertical muscles contract to form horizontal lines. Botox injections, when applied to muscles beneath the wrinkles, block the nerve

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-0700

impulses to those tissues. Muscle activity that causes the frown lines is reduced, providing a smoother look to the skin.

The treatment can usually be completed in about 15 to 20 minutes, though this could vary depending on the area treated. No anesthesia is needed. Usually two to four days are required to attach to the nerve ending that would normally stimulate the muscle to contract. Patients can return to their normal activities soon afterwards. Results will be visible within a few days and generally last 4 to 6 months.

Benefits and Risks One of the main advantages of the treatment is that the results generally appear natural. As it targets only the muscles that cause the wrinkles, the outcome tends to be localized. Patients usually experience no pain after the treatment, though headaches and some bleeding and bruising could occur. Other side effects that could occur include vision blurring, eye pain, and dizziness.

Ensuring Optimal Results To obtain optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects, it is important to have the treatment performed by a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon in an accredited surgical center. The surgeon will first determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. Mild wrinkling can be easily resolved with Botox injections.

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

1-713-791-0700

Ideal candidates are those who are in good health and have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions. It is also important that the individual has realistic expectations about the outcome.